8th February, 2012
The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has disclosed that the state government is exploring other means of energy generation in order to stop the use of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas, which he said contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that is gradually depleting the ozone layer and causing climate change.
Governor Fashola who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire was speaking while opening a two-day summit on renewable energy with the theme: ‘achieving a sustainable renewable energy programme for Lagos State’ organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The Governor said the issue of alternative energy has become a global issue, therefore, Lagos State which is the commercial capital of the country and a premium business destination along the West African sub-region must begin to bring innovations and inventions, which will move the people from old forms of technology to new and modern concepts as it obtains in the western world.
He added that Lagos, with a population of 18 million people must have access to affordable and sustainable energy, adding that the government is ready to partner with private organisations and international energy corporations to utilise the enormous resources available in the state to put in place renewable energy that will be a viable alternative to petroleum products.
“We believe that if technological advancement are properly applied, within the context of our rich deposits of natural energy resources, we could significantly reduce our dependence on conventional fuels, thereby appreciating the vast differences in the cost of renewable sources,” the governor said.
Governor Fashola also added that the state government remains committed to exploring and exploiting cleaner renewable fuel sources and it is in line with that obligation that the state is holding its first ever renewable energy summit where public and private players can come together to create initiatives on the current global energy landscape so that a new era exemplified by renewable energy sources can emerge.
He assured all interested investors and collaborators that the government will put in place policies and the enabling environment for the achievement of renewable energy in the state, while also re-emphasising the commitment of his administration to enhancing the energy efficiency, reducing green house gas emissions, diversifying energy source and creating jobs in the Lagos State.
The summit was attended by members of the state executive council, the organised private sector and international organisations as well as members of the public.
There was also an exhibition of different products of alternative energy designed by local and foreign corporations.