THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF THE NEPL/SEPLAT 2025 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME GRADUATION AND COMMUNITY ACCESS TO ENERGY PROJECT, HELD ON THURSDAY, 29TH MAY 2025
ADDRESS BY FELIX OSEMWENGIE ISERE,ESQ SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE ON OIL AND GAS, AT THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF THE NEPL/SEPLAT 2025 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME GRADUATION AND COMMUNITY ACCESS TO ENERGY PROJECT, HELD ON THURSDAY, 29TH MAY 2025
It is both a privilege and a responsibility to stand before you today, at this landmark occasion; the commissioning of the NEPL/SEPLAT Community Access to Energy Project and the graduation of participants from the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurship Programme.
This event marks a bold step forward in our shared vision for inclusive development, and it aligns perfectly with the broader development agenda of the Edo State Government under the forward-looking leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo with a firm focus on green and sustainable energy, youth empowerment, and community-centered infrastructure.
Let me begin by commending NEPL/SEPLAT for this meaningful intervention. This renewable energy project is not just a physical infrastructure; it is a lifeline to local businesses, a beacon of social development, and a tool for empowering future generations.
As a proud indigene of this community, I must also state that the concerns presented by the people of Ologbo N’ugu here today were earlier communicated to me. In the spirit of transparency and accountability, I chose to address these matters publicly, in my official capacity, rather than offering pre-scripted replies because they deserve open, honest, and immediate attention.
The exclusion of indigenous contractors from the execution of this project even from components as fundamental as the borehole is deeply regrettable and contrary to the ideals of equity and local inclusion. Edo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Okpebholo, advocates for strong local content participation, especially in host communities. I will be taking this matter directly to NEPL/SEPLAT management and expect a shift toward inclusive contracting going forward.
Also troubling is the lack of inclusion of Ologbo N’ugu indigenes in the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) celebrated today. Youth empowerment begins with the immediate youth of the host community. If this claim is true, how do you celebrate the graduation of these numbers of entrepreneurs in a community where no single person was a beneficiary? I call on NEPL/SEPLAT to investigate this gap and take corrective and proactive action.
In addition, I strongly support the call that technical management and security roles associated with the mini-grid project be handled by competent locals. If there are skill gaps, NEPL/SEPLAT must urgently begin training programmes to build the necessary capacity within the community. Only then can we truly say the development is sustainable and locally owned.
On the issue of the abandoned oil well, originally drilled by SPDC in 1971 and reportedly handed over to SEPLAT, I hereby call on NEPL/SEPLAT and the relevant regulatory agencies to formally communicate the status, future development plans (if any), and how the community will be involved. It is unacceptable for host communities to be left in the dark on such critical matters.
Beyond today’s commissioning, I wish to emphasize that the Edo State Government remains deeply committed to supporting Nigeria’s greener energy transition. We believe that the future of energy lies in sustainability, and we are fostering a regulatory, investment, and innovation-friendly environment that encourages cleaner, climate-resilient energy solutions. That is why we are already working towards organizing a huge summit that will bring stakeholders in the Oil and Gas sector, policy makers, investors and host communities to discuss how Edo State can be a hub for gas commercialization and utilization in Nigeria in view of the energy transition in Nigeria. Our approach is rooted in long-term environmental responsibility, economic diversification, and inclusive growth, ensuring that no citizen or community is left behind in the movement toward a low-carbon future.
I also use this opportunity to call on investors especially those in the Oil and Gas sector to take advantage of the new energy infrastructure now available in Ologbo N’ugu. With improved access to reliable power, this community is primed for growth and ready to host energy-linked investments, industrial development, and service delivery hubs. Edo State Government stands ready to provide the enabling environment, support systems, and policy backing to ensure your investments are not only protected but also thrive.
Finally, as we celebrate this milestone today and commend the NEPL/SEPLAT, we challenge them to go further. This project should not stand alone. I officially call on NEPL/SEPLAT, as a representative of the Edo State Government, to replicate this model of energy access, entrepreneurship support, and local inclusion across all their host communities. True partnership is not a one-time gift, it is a culture of consistent, shared progress.
To my dear people of Ologbo N’ugu, I applaud your peaceful approach and constructive engagement. And to NEPL/SEPLAT, I say this collaboration is the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting, more inclusive relationship.
Together, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State is forging a future defined by equity, innovation, and opportunity and no community will be left behind.
Long live Ologbo N’ugu Community.
Long live Edo State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you, and God bless.
