…Says award is a call to do more
The Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, has been honoured with the Public Sector CEO of the Year Award, a recognition he described as meaningful feedback on the agency’s expanding impact across rural communities in Nigeria.
Speaking on Friday after receiving the award at the NewsDirect 15th Anniversary and Awards Night, Aliyu said the recognition was particularly exciting because much of the agency’s work takes place in rural locations where public visibility is limited.
According to him, the award reinforces REA’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s electricity gap.
“This is a call for us to do much more. The country has many people in rural areas without electricity, and this feedback pushes us to ensure we provide sustainable, reliable energy to all,” he said.
Aliyu in an interview with newsmen highlighted ongoing improvements in the off-grid power sector, noting that REA interventions have already provided electricity access to over eight million Nigerians, powered 15 universities, delivered clean energy to more than 200 communities, and advanced major renewable-energy initiatives.
He also disclosed that the agency secured the world’s largest public-sector renewable energy funding, a $750 million facility dedicated to expanding mini-grid development across the country.
“We are working on over 1,350 mini-grids and 250 interconnected mini-grids nationwide. Our passion remains addressing Nigeria’s electricity gap sustainably,” he added.
The event witnessed an impressive gathering of notable personalities, including the Lagos State Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Lanre Adetokunbo Bajulaye; the Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; Chairman of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, Sir Olu Okeowo; Managing Director of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. (Dr.) Adedeji Ashiru; Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo, Member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency; and the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, represented by the Executive Director, Risk Management, Kevin Ugwuoke, among other distinguished personalities.