Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reinstated the commitment of his administration to partner with investors in power generation and waste management.
Governor Otti’s expressed the State government’s commitment when he received in audience a team of investors from the INNOV Power Solutions from the USA and was led by the President, Engr. Mohammed’s Konate.
In a release issued after the visit, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz Ukaoha Njoku Ukaoha in Umuahia said the Governor Otti’s administration is open to partnership in power generation and transmission in the remaining 8 Local Government Areas of Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, and Umunneochi, that are not covered by Aba Power, which generates and transmits power to Aba and its environs (covering 9 LGAs), through Geometric Power.
According to the release, Governor Otti also stated that his administration is interested in waste management; having cleaned up refuse dumps that once defaced the major cities of the State after he declared a state of emergency on waste on assumption of office.
The release further disclosed that the State governor directed for further engagement with the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government involved, to deepen discussions and work out areas of partnership.
“As we speak today, maybe Abia and a few other States have been able to set up a regulatory agency. That means that everything now resides within Abia. We have a management board for that, which has started work.
“There have been a lot of proposals on renewable energy, which are looking very attractive. If this is an area you are interested in, I think we are also ready to work with you, just as we have opened our doors to other investors.
“But generation is so critical because if we do not have the power, there is nothing to transmit or distribute. So I will let you further engage with the commissioner (for Power and Public Utilities and his team) so that we can work out how we can partner,” Governor Otti stated.
On waste management, Governor Otti said,” Waste Management is an area that is important to us. When we came in two years ago, we declared a state of emergency on waste management because it was a scourge here.
“We’ve been able to get a handle on it. But a permanent solution would be welcomed. We have had a few people come to make presentations. My experience is that there must be a sweetener for you,” Dr. Otti added.
Speaking further, he said, “Waste to power is becoming popular, but I have not seen anywhere that it was adjudged profitable. So, maybe you can do the magic. I heard you when you talked about byproducts. But, if it is power, anywhere it has worked, it is on subsidy. Going the next mile of what to do with waste is welcomed,” he stated.
Earlier in his speech, the President of INNOV Power Solutions, Engr. Mohammed Konate said that they are interested in partnering with the State Government in the areas of power generation and transmission, and in waste management. He disclosed that they will bring solutions not yet introduced in Nigeria that will make the State a shining light in embracing technology.
He said they were impressed with the development happening in Abia under the Governor, having visited some parts of the State even as they planned to continue their visit to Aba.
