11/08/2026
Science and Technology Ministry Seeks DELWIT’s Partnership on Promoting Clean Energy Transition
The Edo State Ministry of Science and Technology has initiated a collaboration with DELWIT Electrical and Solar Training Centre on the transition to clean energy to equip young people with technical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Etinosa Ikponmwosa Ogbeiwi, made the call during the year 2026 graduation ceremony of DELWIT’s Cohort ‘2’ and the induction of Cohort ‘3’ trainees of the Electrical and Solar Training Institute in Benin City.
The Commissioner said transitioning to renewable energy was critical to creating a safer and healthier environment, while reducing the burden associated with conventional power generation on households, industries and other establishments. He commended DELWIT for its efforts at taking science and technology training to the grassroots, particularly its engagement with young people and residents within its immediate environment and rural communities.
According to the Commissioner, the growing need for practical electrical solutions must be matched with a deliberate transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies. In his words, “DELWIT has come to proffer practical electrical solutions. As we discuss DELWIT and the Training Centre, we must also have at the back of our minds a clean energy environment. The way to ensure this is to transit to modern technological devices.”
The Commissioner urged industries, corporate organisations and institutions to explore solar power solutions, noting that over-reliance on conventional methods of power generation places additional burdens on households and businesses. He stressed the importance of greater investment in solar energy, electric mobility, cleaner power infrastructure, research and knowledge transfer, noting that strategic partnerships and a technically skilled workforce would be critical to advancing Edo State’s transition towards sustainable energy development.
Hon. Ogbeiwi disclosed that the Edo State Government under the leadership of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, planned to establish training hubs across the three senatorial districts to equip young people with relevant skills, promote employment and enhance productivity. “We have a duty to harness the potentials in our youths. The local content of our people is unimaginable. When our youths are gainfully engaged and employed, we will better check social vices,” he said.
He encouraged the graduating trainees to view their newly acquired skills not merely as qualifications, but as tools for creating opportunities, solving practical problems and contributing meaningfully to the development of their communities. He advocated greater use of public-private partnerships (PPP) and increased research in the energy sector, assuring that the Ministry was prepared to collaborate with engineering firms such as DELWIT to take science and technology interventions to both urban and rural communities.
He reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to developing the capacity of young people in line with the SHINE Agenda, and congratulated the graduating trainees while acknowledging the contributions of their parents, instructors and other stakeholders to their training and development.
Earlier, the Managing Director of DELWIT Electrical and Solar Training Centre, Engr. Darlington Okoka, said the Organisation was committed to ensuring that its graduates were not only trained but also adequately empowered to apply their skills. He said the Centre’s training programmes included Electrical Design and Drawings using AutoCAD, Electrical Piping, Wiring and Installation, and Solar System Design and Installation.
The Managing Director of ENOGG Limited, Engr. Solomon Emhomonbotiti, stressed the importance of building a resilient power sector through sustained capacity development. He advocated increased investment in human capital and called for greater attention to the training and professional development of electricians and engineers.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Bernard Aigbe; representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Edo State Ministry of Power, among others.
High point of the ceremony was the presentation of an award by the Commissioner on behalf of the Institute, to the Ministry’s Head of Renewable Energy Department, Miss Asemota Osagie Esohe, who emerged as the Best Graduating Student of Cohort ‘2'.
Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Science and Technology
Photo Caption 1
L-R(Managing Director DELWIT Electrical and Solar Training Centre ENGR Darlington. Okoka,Head Renewable Energy,Ministry of Science and Technology,Asemota Osagie Esohe ,Commisoiner for Science and Technology,Hom Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology Mr Aigbe Bernard shortly after the award and induction ceremony)
Photo Caption 2
Edo State Commissioner for Science and Technology Hon Etin-osa Ogbeiwi delivering his keynote address
Photo Caption 3
Presentation of award to the best graduating student of the DELWIT Institute Asemota Osagie Esohe by the Commissioner for Science and Technology Hon Etin-osa Ogbeiwi
