Professionals and businessmen in Imo State have applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for his hands-on moves to ensure uninterrupted electricity power supply in the state.
This came on the heels of the signing of Imo State Electricity Law by Governor Uzodimma to enable the state to manage and activate electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, particularly the Amaraku Power Project as well as Egbema Power Plant which had been abandoned for over 18 years.
The stakeholders under the aegis of Forum of Imo Professionals (FIP) praised Uzodimma for securing President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the transfer of the Egbema Power Plant project to Imo State government.
The forum’s coordinator, Dr Greg Mbadiwe expressed happiness that with the electricity initiative, Uzodimma “has set the ball rolling for massive infrastructural development, rapid industrialization, revamping of small and medium entrepreneurships, spur youth creativity, boost employment, achieve self-sufficiency in all sectors, while turning Imo into a major investment hub for the South East and the nation at large.”
They commended the governor for engaging a world class power company from Egypt, Elsewedy Power Generation, for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in the state.
In a statement, Mbadiwe said the forum is confident that with the framework already established by Governor Uzodimma, there will be adequate electricity supply in all parts of Imo State within the next eight months.
He said, “As professionals and businessmen in various fields of life, our Forum, made up of engineers, lawyers, medical personnel, estate developers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, business owners, hoteliers, investors, builders, transporters, journalists, teachers, farmers and the rest, deeply appreciates Governor Uzodimma for this electricity initiative.
“Electricity supply is sine-qua-non to modern development. The people of Imo State are known for our innovativeness, creativeness, and quest for self-reliance. Many businesses have been forced to close down with attendant swell in job loss and consequential social dislocation and economic distress to millions of families. Our people have suffered years of serious retrogression in the productive sectors because of poor power supply.
“This informs why this radical move by Governor Uzodimma on electricity elicited spontaneous jubilation and hopefulness across Imo State. Uzodimma has displayed an exceptional political will, which confirms his connection with the aspiration of the people; which is reminiscent of the visionary leadership of the late Sam Mbakwe.”
Mbadiwe also commended Uzodimma for attracting massive investments into the state including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hassan Allam Holding and Punz Limited for the construction of a 200-room Imo Marriot Hotel in Owerri.
