President Bola Tinubu on Monday launched the Geometric Power Plant in Aba, 20 years after the project was initiated by a former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji.
Tinubu also inaugurated three roads rehabilitated by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, in Omoba, Jubilee, and Queens Street, all in Aba.
Speaking after launching the Geometric Power Plant, Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that “this project bears testimony to the power of dreams,” adding “today in Abia, we saw the testimony of good leadership”.
Otti also said the project was as a result of the power to dream, saying with the power project in Aba, the city is now open to national and international businesses.
The governor warned Geometric against customer extortion, urging the power company not to take undue advantage of the monopoly they have.
In his speech, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelebu, said, “The Integrated Aba Power Project is a sign that the long-time power problem in Nigeria will be resolved, calling on the Aba people to secure the project.
The minister disclosed, “An end is coming to estimated billing. There will not be estimated bills any longer, as consumers will now know what he is paying for”.
In his opening address, the proprietor of Geometric Power, Nnaji described the project as “a child of necessity”, having taken him 20 years to realise.
While thanking those who assisted in the realisation of the project, Nnaji stated that the project cost him $800 million, and pleaded with the Federal Government to help with a reliable gas supply.
Earlier, Tinubu said the presidency is proud of the Abia State governor “for his developmental strides” in the state.
“Within the last nine months, people of Abia State have witnessed a change in their fortunes. Abia is working, we are quite proud of the accomplishments of Alex Otti. He has brought to bear his wealth of experience, intellect, and exposure to the development of Abia State,” he said.
The president emphasised that quality leadership is very crucial to the development of the society, appreciating Otti for his humility and the developments he is bringing to Abia.
Responding, the Abia helmsman said the roads being commissioned were strategic and built to last.
“These roads were built to last. When we do this, we want to give the power back to the people. We want to give access to you. We want you to go back to what you do and what you know how to do without any obstruction and that is why we have promised that every part of Aba must be touched,” he said.
Otti thanked the president for the support he has been giving to his administration since he assumed office, assuring the people of the state that his administration would fulfill his promises.
The PUNCH reported earlier that the 188MW thermal plant alongside Aba Power Limited, will take electricity from the new plant and supply to nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State.
The Managing Director of the company, Ben Caven, described the power plant as the biggest investment in the South-East, saying the company had spent $800m on its integrated power project, which includes building a 27km natural gas pipeline from Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area in Abia State to the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba.
“We have, in addition, installed 150,000km of cables and wires and installed four new power substations as well as refurbished three others inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria,” explained Caven.
SOURCE: PUNCHNG
