Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed openness to partnership with INNOV Power Solutions in power generation and transmission in eight (8) Government Areas to support electricity supply across the state.
Governor Otti also stated that his administration is focused on waste management, having addressed refuse dumps in major cities after declaring a state of emergency on waste.
The Governor stated this on Sunday, 21st September, when he received in audience a team from the INNOV Power Solutions led by the President, Engr. Mohammed Konate.
The state has a total of 17 LGAs, out of which 8 LGAs – Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, and Umunneochi, not covered by Aba Power, which generates and transmits power to Aba and its environs (covering 9 LGAs), through Geometric Power.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha, Njoku Ukoha, said the State’s Chief Executive has further directed engagement with the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the 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. They thanked Governor Otti for the warm reception they were given.