Vice President Kashim Shettima officially opened the doors to the 188-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Aba.
This inauguration marks the culmination of a journey that began two decades ago, with completion achieved nine years ago, only to face legal hurdles with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), which have recently been resolved.
Addressing a diverse gathering of prominent figures from the South East and across the nation, the Vice President hailed the power plant as a pivotal achievement in Nigeria’s quest for reliable electricity supply. He lauded the vision and persistence of the project’s owner and former Minister for Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, in bringing this ambitious endeavor to fruition despite years of delays and challenges.
Reflecting on the toll of the prolonged struggle, the Vice President expressed admiration for Professor Nnaji’s resilience, emphasizing the profound impact of his dedication. He conveyed the pride of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation in Professor Nnaji’s remarkable accomplishment.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President had inaugurated three roads in Aba, commending Governor Alex Otti for his commendable strides in infrastructure development. He praised the leadership demonstrated by Governor Otti, predicting a favorable legacy for his administration.
Professor Nnaji, reflecting on the project’s origins, highlighted the imperative for stable and affordable electricity, driven by the needs of Aba’s manufacturing sector. He extended gratitude to the financial institutions, federal and state governments, whose support was instrumental in realizing the project’s success. Professor Nnaji stressed the importance of consistent gas supply to ensure sustained power generation for Aba and its environs.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, emphasized the project’s potential to catalyze economic development in Aba, advocating for a conducive environment to attract investors. Governor Otti heralded the inauguration as a new era for electricity generation and distribution in the state, pledging continued commitment to fulfilling promises to the people.
In his remarks, Governor Otti underscored the significance of the power plant in stimulating business and industrial activities, urging residents to support the project through prompt payment of electricity bills and safeguarding critical infrastructure against vandalism. He called for equitable and customer-centric practices from Geometric Power, emphasizing the importance of adherence to regulatory standards.
Minister for Power, Adeboye Adelabu, commended Professor Nnaji’s innovative approach to addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and urged residents to contribute to its success by fulfilling their obligations.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished personalities, including former Governor Rochas Okorocha, traditional leaders, government officials, and members of the business community, signaling a collective commitment to the advancement of Aba and Nigeria’s energy landscape.
