Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced the approval of a 10-megawatt Independent Power Project (IPP) for Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.
This according to the Governor, is part of his administration’s efforts to transform the State owned institution and provide sustainable electricity for the surrounding communities in Uturu.
Governor Otti disclosed this, Thursday, at the Isuikwuato High School Field Otamkpa, while speaking during the formal reception for the member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Lucky Johnson, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP).
The Governor further revealed that the Power Project is a strategic part of the ongoing rehabilitation of ABSU.
“As part of the rehabilitation of Abia state University, I have approved that an independent Power Project is set up in Abia State University.
“The Independent Power Project would generate no less than 10 megawatts of electricity. The idea is that not just Abia State University but Uturu town will have constant power supply”, Gov Otti said.
The Governor also noted that the project aligns with the recently signed Abia State Electricity Law, which empowers the State to independently regulate and manage its Electricity Sector.
“Those of you who have followed what is happening in this State will know that a few weeks ago, we signed that Abia State Electricity Bill into law.
“So we don’t need to go to anybody for approval to set up whether it is renewable energy or IPP, integrated power stand alone.
“Very soon, as soon as we have the approval of the House of Assembly, the members and leadership of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency ASERA would be put in place”, the Governor assured.
He disclosed that a seasoned professional from Abia who had managed similar projects in Canada has returned to the State to oversee the implementation of the initiative under the soon-to-be-inaugurated Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA).
“We are saying that the days of darkness are over. And you know, once light comes in, darkness takes flight and it’s not just about power, its about every other thing”, Governor Otti declared.
The Governor in demonstration of his commitment to enhance development in Uturu area of Isuikwuato disclosed that plans are on top gear for major road construction, including the Eziama Ndundu road which has already been assessed by the Commissioner for Works.
“I’ve already sent the Commissioner for Works and he has scooped the road already and very soon,we will flag it off and construction will start”, he stated.
He also assured the people of Isuikwuato that the Amabo -Acha -Ezere road linking Isuikwuato people to their Ebonyi State among other roads have already been included in the 2025 State budget and would be executed within the year.
The Governor who also used the occasion to address challenges faced by his administration on assumption of office, noted that his government inherited a state in critical decay and urged citizens to be patient.
He pointed out that his administration is working to reverse the legacy of 24 years of poor leadership and reaffirmed his vision for a better, more developed Abia State.
“Unfortunately when we came in, we didn’t start from ground zero, we started from negative and what I mean by that is that the decay was a lot so we needed to dig and remove the decay to come to ground zero and that is the truth but I want to thank God that today,the story is different.
“We may not have done everything that needed to be done, and we cannot do everything in two years and we should also recognize that we are coming from 24 years of very poor leadership if we have to say it, so we have to be patient”, the Governor said.
He however thanked the people of the area for their support and assured that his administration has greater plans for the people of Uturu.
In their goodwill messages,the Member representing, Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Chief Amobi Ogah and the Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa described Governor Otti as a visionary Leader whose achievements have brought members of the opposition party to the Labour Party family.
In his speech, the Member Representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, Mr Lucky Johnson said he took the decision to join the Labor Party with his supporters inorder to key into the transformation agenda of Governor Otti whom he noted has redefined Governance across the State.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Chairman, Abia House of Assembly Service Commission, Chief Uche Maduako and a member of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) Dr Onyinyechi Rufus -Obi while describing Governor Otti as hardworking ,diligent and progressive minded, thanked him for the ongoing efforts to set up an independent Power Project to take care of ABSU and the rest of Uturu Community.
In their goodwill messages, an Isuikwuato Stakeholder, Mr. Ken Ahia (SAN), President General, Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chidiebere Uguru, President General Uturu Development Union and Dr. Chidi Mba while noting that Governor Otti has shown capacity in leadership called for the construction of the Amabo -Acha -Ezere road linking Isuikwuato people to their Ebonyi neighbor among other roads.
