Ex-Power Minister Discloses What Nigerian Govt Must Do to Achieve Stable Power Supply: “I'm Hopeful"
- Former Minister Jedy-Agba stressed strong leadership and mentorship as vital for Nigeria's development
- The ex-minister of state for power said Nigeria can achieve a stable electricity supply with sustained reforms and investment, says Jedy-Agba
- Jedy-Agba spoke at the signing of his memoir 'Grace Unspeakable', which he said aims to inspire integrity and resilience in younger generations
Abuja, FCT - Former minister of state for power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, has emphasised the need for strong leadership and deliberate mentorship as critical drivers of Nigeria’s development.
Mr Jedy-Agba made this known on Tuesday, March 31, in Abuja during the signing of his memoir, “Grace Unspeakable,” where he reflected on his time in public service and the broader challenges facing the country.
Source: Twitter
How can leadership impact Nigeria's progress?
He said Nigeria’s progress depends largely on the quality of its leadership and the ability of experienced professionals to groom the next generation.
“Leadership is not just about occupying positions; it is about impact, accountability, and service to the people,” he said.
“We must be intentional about raising a new generation of leaders who are grounded in integrity and committed to national development.”
He stressed that mentorship remains a key but often overlooked component of nation-building, noting that sustainable progress requires continuous knowledge transfer and guidance.
“Mentorship is critical. We must invest in people, guide them, and prepare them to take on responsibility. That is how institutions grow, and nations develop,” he added.
Can Nigeria achieve stable electricity supply?
While speaking on his experience in the power sector, Jedy-Agba expressed optimism that Nigeria can achieve a stable electricity supply if reforms are sustained and properly implemented.
“I remain hopeful about the power sector. With the right policies, consistency, and investment, we can overcome the challenges and deliver reliable power,” he said.
He, however, identified gas supply constraints as a major factor affecting electricity generation in the country, explaining that inadequate payment to gas producers continues to limit supply.
“If you don’t pay for gas, producers will not supply, and without gas, you cannot generate enough electricity,” he noted.
Reflecting on his time in office, he said efforts were made to prioritise payments to gas suppliers in order to sustain generation levels.
Jedy-Agba declined to directly assess the performance of the current administration, stating that it would be inappropriate to publicly criticise his successors.
He also called for sustained investment in key sectors, including healthcare, noting that national development is closely tied to the well-being of citizens.
“A nation’s strength is measured by the health of its people. We must continue to invest in healthcare systems that are accessible and efficient,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix, noting that groundwork had already been laid for alternative energy development before his exit from office in 2023.
According to him, consistent policies and effective implementation will be key to unlocking growth across sectors and ensuring long-term national development.
Nigerians urged to stop glorifying ill-gotten wealth
He also urged Nigerians to stop glorifying ill-gotten wealth, saying:
“Today we celebrate thieves and rogues. Once we see a rich person, we don’t care how the money was made, but you can make money from hard work instead of stealing. You can still give your best without being corrupt.”
On leadership and personal values, the former minister stressed the importance of mentorship and moral guidance in shaping character.
“I came from a peasant community. My parents and my community taught me that if you work hard, you will reap the reward. Those lessons moulded me," he added.
“Grace Unspeakable": Why I wrote memoir - Jedy-Agba
The author said he wrote the memoir to share the experiences that shaped his life and to inspire younger generations to pursue integrity, resilience and hard work.
According to Jedy-Agba, the memoir emphasises resilience in the face of life’s uncertainties.
He said:
“Life is not measured by the certainty of our plans but by our resilience when fate interrupts them. Every interruption is a lesson that should make us emerge stronger and more determined to fulfil our purpose.
“Life is a journey. It is like a pilgrimage. In every journey there are jokes, banters, stories and experiences; good, bad and ugly. I have had so many experiences in life, and I felt the best thing to do was to give back by sharing them so others can learn."
Jedy-Agba described wisdom as a priceless asset that shapes character and leadership, saying:
“Wisdom is a gift from above. If you have wisdom, it is an asset beyond quantification. It makes you brilliant, exposed and God-fearing."
Recounting a near-death experience that almost led to the amputation of his arm, he said faith, courage and the decision to seek a second medical opinion saved him.
“When I got to the hospital, the doctor said he was going to amputate my arm. I was 56 years old then, and it would have affected me psychologically," the ex-minister said.
“When I later sought treatment in Germany, I realised the importance of having a second opinion and having the fighting spirit. If I didn’t have that determination, I would have lost my arm.”
Source: Legit.ng
