The Acting Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi has challenged Nigerian Engineers to come up with policies that would provide alternate energy source for the technological development of the country.
The challenge was contained in an address by the State Commissioner for Enugu Capital Territory , Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede who represented the Acting Governor when members of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers paid a courtesy call at the Government House, Enugu.
The Acting Governor noted that Enugu as a Coal City State has a base for alternative energy sources, adding that research had also shown that the state is well positioned for wind energy source.
Mr. Onyebuchi added that the state government would partner with any organization that would embark on alternate energy source development in the state.
He advised the engineers that as they discussed on alternate energy source development for technological development of the country, they should also find ways of utilizing the existing ones effectively.
The acting governor informed the engineers that the state has done a lot in the areas of infrastructural development especially roads which he said were beautified with street lights empowered by diesel.
He thanked the engineers for choosing Enugu for their International Conference, ensuring them of a conducive environment for the conference in the state.
Earlier in an address, the Chairman of the Institution, Engr. Ayo Fanimokuun informed the governor that the members were in Enugu for their 25th International Conference which he said also coincided with the institution’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary..
He added that Enugu State was chosen for the conference because it is the energy base of Nigeria considering the available large coal deposit in the state.
The chairman noted that for the country to actualize technological development that other sources of energy would be developed. He added that the International Conference would enable members discuss ways and means of developing alternative energy sources for technological development in Nigeria as its contribution to President Jonathan’s administration transformation agenda in that sector.
The chairman recalled that coal was the main source of energy in the past but regretted that this source has been neglected, when oil was discovered.
He also enumerated other sources of energy that has not been utilized in the country as solar energy and wind energy which the conference would deliberate on, he said.
