Introduction to Power Project
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has approved the establishment of a 10 megawatts (MW) Independent Power Project (IPP) at the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu to tackle electricity challenges in the campus and its environs.
Background
Otti made this known while receiving the lawmaker representing Isiukwuato Constituency, Mr Lucky Johnson, who defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Labour Party (LP), in Otamkpa, Isiukwuato Local Government Area. The governor said that the project, would not only power the university but would also provide steady electricity supply to the host community of Uturu.
Legal Framework
He said that the state’s recent passage of the Abia State Electricity Law paved the way for such projects without needing federal approval. “A few weeks ago, we signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, so we no longer need to go to anybody for approval to set up renewable energy or IPP, whether integrated power or standalone,” Otti said.
Regulatory Agency
He also disclosed that plans were underway to establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), pending the approval of the Abia House of Assembly. Otti said that a native of the state who had successfully handled similar power projects in Canada had returned home to head the new agency.
Expected Outcomes
“We are saying that the days of darkness are over and you know, once light comes in, darkness takes flight,” Otti said. He said that the benefits of this project would go beyond electricity, promising improvements in other critical infrastructure such as roads. “We do not want potholes in Abia State; we want smooth driving, and we are going to gradually get to all the roads,” he added.
Reactions
In their separate speeches, the lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Mr Amobi Ogah, and the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the governor as a visionary leader. They called on the people of Abia to rally behind him to ensure he secures a second term in office.
Support for the Governor
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, hailed the present administration’s rebuilding agenda. Uwanna expressed confidence in the governor’s continued leadership, emphasising that his performance had surpassed expectations. In their separate remarks, the President General of Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chidiebere Uguru and President General of Uturu Development Union, Dr Chidi Mba, lauded the governor’s capacity and foresight.
Defection to Labour Party
In an interview with newsmen, Johnson said that he had officially defected from PDP to LP. He said that with his entry to the party and the support of other key stakeholders, all political structures in Isuikwuato have collapsed into the LP. Johnson said that Isuikwuato would play a decisive role in securing Otti’s re-election in 2027.
Reaction from Stakeholders
Also, a member of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Dr Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi, commended the government’s efforts to establish an independent power facility in ABSU. Rufus-Obi described the initiative as a welcome development that would improve the livelihood of people in the state.
Conclusion
The establishment of the 10 megawatts Independent Power Project at the Abia State University is a significant step towards addressing the electricity challenges in the state. With the support of stakeholders and the defection of key politicians to the Labour Party, Governor Otti’s administration is poised to make significant progress in improving the lives of the people of Abia State.
FAQs
- What is the capacity of the Independent Power Project (IPP) approved by Governor Alex Otti?
Answer: 10 megawatts (MW) - Where will the IPP be located?
Answer: Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu - What is the expected outcome of the project?
Answer: Steady electricity supply to the university and its host community, as well as improvements in other critical infrastructure such as roads. - What is the name of the regulatory agency to be established by the state government?
Answer: Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA)
Source: nannews.ng
