South East Initiative: Gov Otti Lauds FG Over Private Sector Involvement In Improving Power Supply

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed gratitude to the federal government for supporting private sector’s involvement in improving the country’s electricity supply.

He spoke during the commissioning of the 181MW Geometric Power plant in Aba, Abia State, by Vice President Kashim Shettima, as part of activities marking the launch of the Light Up Nigeria South East Initiative.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima (Center); Governor Alex Otti (left) and others at the commissioning of the Geometric Power Plant Aba, Abia State on Monday, 26 Feb. 2024

The governor expressed gratitude for the collaboration, acknowledging the 20-year journey of the project and its significance in meeting the state’s energy demands.

He lauded the involvement of financial institutions, including First Bank, former Diamond Bank and Afrexim Bank, in bringing the project to fruition.

Otti urged residents to take ownership and responsibility for protecting all power infrastructure within their communities.

Echoing Governor Otti’s sentiments, Chief Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power and Chairman/CEO of Geometrics Power Group, thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s focus on enhancing nationwide electricity supply.

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion and commissioning under his watch.

He reassured Nigerians that the era of estimated billing would soon come to an end, as the government strives to provide adequate meters for citizens.

Adelabu said the Aba Power Project is a crucial initiative arising from the need to support the traders of Ariaria International Market and the entire state with reliable power supply.

“The Light Up South-East initiative aims to address major challenges plaguing Nigeria’s electricity sector, particularly the persistent infrastructure constraints within transmission and distribution networks,” Adebayo said.

The minister emphasized that addressing these issues is fundamental to achieving stable, reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply.

“We want to ensure a seamless operation of the entire value chain, from generation to distribution,” the minister added, promising continued dedication of the Light Up Nigeria Initiative in providing steady power to the South East business community.

The Minister also urges residents in the South East region to avoid vandalizing power infrastructure and actively work towards resolving lingering right-of-way issues that hinder the installation of crucial infrastructure, according to a release by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President).

Dignitaries at the occasion included Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu; Senator representing Anambra South, Chief  Ifeanyi Uba; former Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and other members of the National Assembly from the state, among others.