Pecohub Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has said that his administration is open for partnership in power generation and transmission in the remaining Eight Local Government Areas of the State.
The Local Government Areas are: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia, and Umunneochi, which are not covered by Aba Power, that generates and transmits power to Aba and its environs (covering Nine LGAs), through Geometric Power.
Governor Otti stated this in his Office when he received in audience a team from INNOV Power Solutions, USA-based firm led by Mohammed Konate.
Governor Otti, hiwever, directed relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies involved to further engage the organisation to deepen discussions and work out areas of partnership.
He equally 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.
“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,” 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.:
He further 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”.
Mohammed Konote, President of INNOV Power Solutions, earlier in speech, said that they are interested in partnering with the State Government in the areas of power generation, transmission and in waste management.
He stated that they would bring solutions not yet introduced in Nigeria that would make the State a shining light in embracing technology.
He noted that that firm are 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.
