DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that efforts were on by the State to reduce its energy consumption as it partners energy giant, Philips to drive the Government’s green economy programme

Speaking at the weekend in Abuja during a meeting with top executives of Philips, Governor Uduaghan said his administration was interested in developing green economy stressing that reduction in energy consumption was critical to the issue of climate change.

He disclosed that his administration was partnering with sub-regional governments, international organisations and groups that were interested in developing green economy to tackle the issues of climate change.

He observed that Delta State was happy to be dealing directly with Philips instead of going through third parties, reiterating that apart from reduction in energy consumption, the State was keen on reducing child and maternal mortality.

“We are a state that is very interested in developing green economy”, Governor Uduaghan said, adding, “We are very supportive of the moves to reduce energy consumption which is very critical in the issues of climate change.”

The Executive Vice President of Philips, Mr Ronald de Jong commended Governor Uduaghan’s administration for working towards reduction in energy consumption, child and maternal health care, assuring that his organization was committed to partnering with the Delta State government.

“We are happy with the efforts you are making in Delta State … we want to partner with you in your commitment to provide energy for the masses, reduce child mortality and improve the health of the mothers.”

Earlier, the General Managerin charge of Lighting, West Africa, Philips, Mr Felix Darko disclosed that the company has done an audit of energy usage at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, the Central Hospital, Warri, the new Government House and State Secretariat Complex, Asaba and assured that when the project comes on stream, energy usage would be reduced by more than half.

He emphasized that Philips will “collaborate with the Delta State government in the area of energy efficiency and healthcare.”

The General Manager in a briefing after the meeting with the Governor informed Journalists, that the meeting was very fruitful as it was resolved that apart from energy reduction project, Philips will set up community lighting centres powered by solar energy .

Similarly, he disclosed that Philips was exploring the possibility of establishing manufacturing plant for low energy needs in the state as well as building Deltans capacity in the area.