GERMANY PARTNERS BAYELSA STATE ON RENEWABLE ENERGY, EDUCATION & AGRIC DEVELOPMENT

Amb. Weert Boemer with the Bayelsa delegation led by Dr Rosalyn Dressman.

The Federal Republic of Germany has agreed to a strategic partnership with Bayelsa State, Nigeria, focusing on energy, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and cooperation.

This was disclosed during a recent high-level meeting between a delegation from Bayelsa State, comprising government officials and private sector representatives, and the Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, His Excellency, Weert Börner. 

The engagement emphasizes Germany's ongoing commitment to supporting regional development in Nigeria, particularly in areas of significant economic potential and environmental challenges leading the delegation, 

Dr. RosaLyn Dressman, Director-General of the Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency, made a compelling appeal for Germany to expand its existing support framework beyond just Energy to encompass a portfolio of different actions. 

Dr. Dressman highlighted the pressing need for targeted interventions through sponsorship of programs, technical trainings, and capacity-building workshops designed to equip local communities with critical skills and practical knowledge. Such initiatives, she stressed, would catalyse socioeconomic empowerment and ensure sustainable regional development.

 Moreover, Dr. Dressman talked about the importance of cultural exchange programs as vital tools for strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting mutual understanding between Bayelsa State and Germany. She also emphasized Bayelsa's reputation as one of Nigeria's safest and most welcoming states, assuring prospective German partners of a peaceful and prosperous business environment.

Responding positively, Ambassador Börner expressed Germany’s readiness to support Bayelsa State in capitalizing on its abundant renewable energy resources and advanced gas turbine technologies. He emphasized that Germany's collaboration is particularly timely and crucial as Nigeria moves towards decentralizing its energy sector, presenting unique opportunities for transformative energy projects. 

Ambassador Börner also reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to advancing technical education and agriculture, areas he described as fundamental pillars for achieving long-term development and economic resilience. Furthermore, recognizing the severe environmental impacts of gas flaring, Ambassador Börner pledged German assistance to introduce innovative technological solutions aimed at converting flared gas into economically productive and environmentally sustainable energy sources.

Adding perspective from the academic and technical sector, Dr. Dieter Teckhaus, Technical Consultant and Rector of Atech Polytechnic, Yenagoa, assured stakeholders of a strong interest among German companies and investors in pursuing business opportunities in Bayelsa State. 

He emphasized that numerous German enterprises are ready and willing to engage actively, provided favourable investment conditions and reliable partnerships are assured. Dr. Teckhaus called upon Ambassador Börner to facilitate robust bilateral relationships that will ensure confidence among potential German investors, leading to mutually beneficial and enduring economic collaborations.Echoing these sentiments, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Engr.  Kharin Komuko, expressed deep appreciation to Ambassador Börner for his gracious hospitality and warm reception of the Bayelsa delegation. 

He also relayed a formal invitation from His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, inviting Ambassador Börner and his team to visit Bayelsa State to further strengthen diplomatic ties and explore collaborative opportunities firsthand. Commissioner Komuko reiterated the commitment of Bayelsa State government to ensuring that German businesses operating in the state would benefit from conducive and secure investment environments.

Bringing the meeting to a cordial conclusion, Prof. Jason Osai, Chairman of the Governing Council of Atech Polytechnic, Yenagoa, delivered a vote of thanks. Prof. Osai commended Ambassador Börner's dedication and openness to facilitating beneficial partnerships and assured him that Bayelsa State eagerly anticipates his visit, marking a promising step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Germany and Bayelsa State.Reported by James Achogbuo.