Imo State, Orashi Electricity Company Ltd Sign Power Supply Agreement

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration came close to generating, transmitting, and distributing power in all 27 local government areas of Imo State on Tuesday, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Orashi Electricity Company Limited to accomplish that goal.

The Imo State Commissioner for Power, Engr Nwabueze Oguchienti, and the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Basil Okolie, signed the pact in the Governor’s office. Orashi Electricity Company Limited’s General Manager, Mr Valentine Obunmeyan, and Mr. Mohammed Sahid signed for their company.

Mrs Rubby Emele, Imo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and her colleague for Rural Development and Empowerment, Chief Ifeanyi Oruh, both signed as witnesses.

The agreement was titled “Memorandum of Agreement for The Light Up Imo Project for the Rehabilitation, Expansion, Operation, and Maintenance of Electricity Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Assets of Imo State Government between the Imo State Government and the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State and Orashi Electricity Company Limited.”

Governor Uzodimma addressed both parties at the brief but important ceremony, stating that it “marks the commencement of all the plans put in place to light up Imo State and ensure electricity gets to the 27 LGAs of the State on a permanent and steady basis.”

He stated that with the signing, Orashi Electricity Company Limited was charged and mandated to undertake power generation, transmission, and distribution in Imo State.

The Governor stated, “The Government sees the project as a critical priority project that must be completed in record time.”

He urged the State’s Ministry of Power to make all necessary arrangements to ensure that “by the end of the year, at least there is consistent power in the urban areas.”

Governor Uzodimma promised that the government would do its best to

the responsibilities expected of her under the agreement, both at the State and Local Government levels, noting that “in return, we will expect the partners to do their part.”

“Government is aware that it will be a large expenditure, but with God on our side, I am confident that government will be able to accomplish it,” he said, assuaging both parties’ perceived concerns.

He reiterated that Imo State requires power to revitalise ailing industries, attract new industries, create jobs, improve ease of doing business, and, most importantly, restore the state to its former status as “the tourism headquarters of the zone.”

He stated, “By doing so, people will be empowered, life will become more meaningful, and our people will live longer lives.”

The ceremony was attended by Imo State’s Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, and the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr COC Akolisa, and some members of the expanded Executive Council.

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