Paragraph 1: A Partnership for Progress
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has extended a welcoming hand to the European Union (EU), expressing his administration’s eagerness to collaborate on various economic development initiatives. This partnership seeks to leverage the EU’s expertise and resources to bolster key sectors within the state. During a recent visit by an EU delegation led by Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Corporations, Governor Otti highlighted several areas ripe for cooperation. These include revitalizing the power sector, restoring public water systems, enhancing healthcare, modernizing agriculture, and facilitating trade, particularly for Aba’s manufacturers. The Governor envisions EU support in streamlining access to raw materials for these businesses and standardizing "Made-in-Aba" goods for export to lucrative European markets.
Paragraph 2: Illuminating Abia: The Aba Integrated Power Project
The centerpiece of the EU delegation’s visit was a tour of the Aba Integrated Power Plant. Governor Otti expressed his satisfaction with the significant strides made by Geometric Power in its mission to provide stable electricity to Aba. He noted the plant’s current 75-megawatt output and its potential to surpass 90 megawatts at full capacity, urging the company to expedite the activation of its third turbine for optimal production and revenue generation. The Governor proposed a strategic shift in power distribution, encouraging Geometric Power to channel its excess capacity to Umuahia, the state capital, instead of feeding it into the national grid. He revealed ongoing discussions with Enugu DisCo regarding the acquisition of Umuahia’s ring-fenced area, facilitating this localized power transfer.
Paragraph 3: Powering Progress, Revitalizing Industry
Governor Otti commended Geometric Power’s establishment of substations in key industrial areas like Factory Road, emphasizing the critical role of targeted power distribution in stimulating economic activity. He lamented the demise of the once-thriving Star Paper Mill in Aba, attributing its closure to unreliable power supply. However, he offered a glimmer of hope, disclosing ongoing engagements with AMCON to revitalize the mill. The Governor expressed optimism that the evaluation process would pave the way for the mill’s revival by year-end, restoring a significant source of employment and economic vitality to the region. He recalled the mill’s past prominence as a 24-hour operation employing numerous people, highlighting the devastating impact of inconsistent power supply on its sophisticated Italian machinery.
Paragraph 4: A Shared Vision for Sustainable Energy
Governor Otti underscored the inefficiencies of transmitting power to the national grid due to transmission losses. He assured the Geometric Power management of ample opportunity to engage with the EU delegation and explore potential collaborations. Mr. Massimo De Luca, representing the EU, outlined the delegation’s objective to assess the current state of power distribution and explore the feasibility of partnerships, particularly in developing franchising models. He emphasized the EU’s focus on catalytic investments from both public and private Nigerian investors, expressing hope that Abia State would serve as a pioneering example for other states in adopting effective franchising strategies.
Paragraph 5: Powering Up Abia: A Collaborative Effort
Barr. Ugo Opiegbe, Managing Director of the Aba Integrated Power Project, provided an overview of the facility’s capabilities, describing it as a gas-fired embedded power plant integrated with a distribution system. He reported a current installed capacity of 141 megawatts and peak production exceeding 75 megawatts. He also highlighted the development of four new injection substations as part of their distribution network expansion. Barr. Opiegbe expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his ongoing support since the facility’s commissioning last year and for facilitating the EU delegation’s visit, anticipating fruitful outcomes from the interaction.
Paragraph 6: A Unified Front for Development
The facility tour was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, demonstrating a unified commitment to Abia State’s development. Members of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Osisioma North, Osisioma South, and Aba North constituencies, along with commissioners, special advisors, mayors, and other high-ranking government officials were present. This broad representation underscores the importance placed on the potential partnership with the EU and its potential to unlock economic growth and improve the lives of Abia State residents. The visit marked a significant step towards realizing the shared vision of a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.
