The Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has emphasized the need for integrated planning, policy reforms, and enhanced public-private partnerships to help close Nigeria’s widening infrastructure gap.
Speaking at the eighth late Engr. Geoffrey Aiwerioba Public Lecture Series, organized by the Benin branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ogbeide-Ihama praised the ongoing infrastructural developments under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration in Edo State. He urged all stakeholders, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, to collaborate with government authorities to further bridge the state’s infrastructural deficits.
Highlighting the importance of collective efforts, he expressed optimism that with unified action, both Edo State and the nation could achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for citizens.
Ogbeide-Ihama also called on governments, particularly Edo State, to take advantage of the provisions in the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently. In his presentation titled “Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: Strategies for Sustainable Development in Edo State,” he underscored the critical role of infrastructure in sectors such as power, health, and education, urging Edo residents to take ownership and participate actively in governance and development.
Citing the state’s first flyover as a positive example of infrastructural progress, he encouraged the governor to sustain the momentum to ensure significant improvements across all sectors by the end of his tenure.
In addition, Ogbeide-Ihama advocated for the enforcement of local content policies beyond the oil and gas sector to stimulate broader economic growth.
The National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Aina Oguntala, was represented at the event by former NSE president Ademola Olorunfemi, who commended Governor Okpebholo’s efforts in reducing traffic congestion through infrastructural projects like the flyover.
Tina Oigiagbe, chairman of the Benin NSE branch, stressed that infrastructure is the backbone of society, noting that essentials such as roads, power, water supply, housing, and digital infrastructure are vital for sustainable development, not luxuries. She acknowledged the country’s existing infrastructure challenges while highlighting the opportunities presented by visionary leadership, innovative engineering, and cooperative action.
The lecture series attracted notable attendees from various sectors, and prizes were awarded to secondary schools that excelled in an inter-school quiz competition held during the event.
