Aba, the Commercial hub of Abia state is set to become Nigerian’s foremost metropolis with 24 Hours uninterrupted Power Supply with the commissioning of the Geometric Integrated Power Project by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The independent Power Plant; a 141 Megawatts expandable to 188 Megawatts Power Generation and Distribution Facility, built to supply electricity is expected to accelerate rapid economic development of the Aba business community and households as well as address the electricity challenge in nine, out of the 17 LGAs in Abia state.
Vice President Shettima performing the commissioning of Geometric Integrated Power Project while Governor Otti looks on
Speaking while commissioning the project, President Tinubu who acknowledged the power of dreams, resilience and persistence as exhibited by the Chairman of the Geometric Group, Prof Bath Nnaji despite facing challenges since the inception of the project in 2014, noted that his steadfast commitment has culminated in the realization of the remarkable project.
President Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said
the power project is dear to his administration, hence the support by the Federal government in ensuring that the power project comes on stream for the benefit of Nigerians.
Sen. Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria
He emphasized that quality leadership is essential to development of any society and described the project as a testament of good leadership and conducive business environment exemplified by Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and encouraged the Governor to continue his commendable efforts for the betterment of the society.
In his address titled “The Power To Dream“, Governor Otti said the Geometric integrated power project has heralded a new era in electricity distribution and underscores the significant collaboration between government and private sector in advancing the nation’s electricity value chain.
Governor Otti who reflected on his personal involvement in facilitating the project’s funding during his tenure in the private sector, emphasized the transformative potential of the Geometric Power Project in driving economic and social rejuvenation, particularly in Aba.
“This city is very pivotal to the economic trajectory of Nigeria and West Africa region and I knew for a fact that if we got the fundamentals right, Aba will not just be a city that makes millionaire’s of dreamers, it would become a land of solutions to the many socioeconomic problems that assail us including worrisome levels of huge unemployment and pervasive poverty.
“My faith in Aba as an economic power house means that when I first saw the proposal for the Geometric Integrated Power Plant, I knew I had to be involved immediately because if just 50% of what had been proposed could be achieved from this industrial output from this great city and it’s environs, millions of new jobs would be created directly and indirectly in the short to medium term.
“The success of this power project would not just validate my unyielding belief in Aba but would send a clear signal to local and international investors that Aba is open for business”, he said.
Governor Otti highlighted the pivotal role played by stakeholders including former Governors, especially Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who issued initial waiver for the project, Igwe Alfred Achebe who played significant role in resolving the ownership tussle and Professor Okey Oramah of AFREXIM Bank who got his bank to support the project.
Member Representing Ikwuano Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha
The Governor stressed the importance of timely payment of electricity bills by citizens to ensure sustained operations and emphasized the need for adherence to regulatory standards, urging accountability from both consumers and the company.
Wife of the Governor,Lady Priscilia Otti
Governor Otti while appreciating Professor Barth Nnaji ,whose unwavering vision and resilience culminated in the realization of the project, said his administration would offer the necessary support to Geometrics adding that the doors of the state government would remain open to engage them and guarantee the success of the project.
Lady Bianca Ojukwu in a handshake with the vice president
In his remarks, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu expressed satisfaction that the project is commencing during his tenure and highlighted it as a significant step towards overcoming Nigeria’s power challenges.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu
He credited President Tinubu’s consistent support which lead in resolving all bottlenecks surrounding the Geometric project as well as Professor Barth Nnaji’s dedication in seeing the project to full operation.
Lady Priscilia Otti with Lady Agatha Nnaji
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer Geometric Integrated Power Generation Company, Professor Barth Nnaji , noted that the project, with an investment of approximately $80 million, was initiated two decades ago to provide reliable power to the Aba business community, foster economic growth and improve the quality of life of the people.
Nnaji, a former Minister of Power and Professor of Manufacturing Engineering, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for backing the project as well as Governor Otti for his support alongside other stakeholders who contributed to the project’s realization.
Prof Barth Nnaji and his wife, lady Agatha Nnaji
The event was attended by an array of distinguished Nigerians, Deputy Governor of the state, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Wife of the Governor, Lady Priscilia Otti, Members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, Prof Okey Oramah of the AFREXIM Bank, partners of the Geometric Power project including the CEO, Enyimba Economic City Project, Mr Darl Uzu.
Others include senators Darlington Nwokocha, Rochas Okorocha, traditional rulers including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Former Minster, Lady Bianca Ojukwu, Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities,Mr Ikechukwu Monday, members of the Abia business community among others.
