Ganduje Rallies Engineers as REA Marks World Engineering Day, Reaffirms Drive for Rural Power Expansion
The Executive Director, Technical Services of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to leveraging engineering innovation to accelerate sustainable rural development across Nigeria.
Engr. Ganduje made this known while leading staff and stakeholders in commemorating the 2026 World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The global observance, which recognizes the vital contributions of engineers to sustainable progress, provided a platform for reflection on the transformative role of engineering in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
In his remarks, the Executive Director emphasized that engineering remains at the heart of expanding access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity — particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach rural communities. He noted that through strategic planning, technical expertise, and innovative deployment models, the Agency continues to bridge Nigeria’s energy access gap.
According to him, rural electrification is not merely about infrastructure deployment but about stimulating economic growth, empowering small businesses, improving healthcare delivery, and enhancing educational opportunities in rural areas. He stressed that sustainable energy solutions such as mini-grids and standalone solar systems are pivotal to achieving inclusive national development.
Engr. Ganduje commended REA engineers and technical teams for their dedication, resilience, and professionalism in executing projects across diverse terrains nationwide. He described their efforts as central to advancing the Federal Government’s energy access agenda and meeting global sustainable development targets.
He further encouraged continuous innovation, collaboration, and capacity building within the engineering community to address evolving challenges in the power sector. Highlighting the Agency’s milestones, he reiterated that engineering excellence remains the backbone of REA’s mission to deliver impact-driven and environmentally responsible electrification solutions.
The World Engineering Day celebration at REA concluded with renewed optimism and a shared resolve among staff to deepen their contributions toward sustainable energy access and national development.