New electricity law will bring rapid industrialisation — Imo Professionals 

Forum of Imo State Professionals, a group led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, has expressed optimism that the signing of the Imo State Electricity Law by Governor Hope Uzodimma will engender rapid industrialisation of the state as it will enable it to control two major electricity power plants. 

Hailing the governor’s move in a statement on Monday, the group asserted that it is a bold move that will 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.

Signed by Dr Mbadiwe, the statement  applauded Governor Uzodimma for “his hands-on moves to ensure uninterrupted electricity power supply in the state.”

It informed that as professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs in the state who started to benefit from the anticipated improved power supply, they are delighted that the governor was able to secure President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the transfer of the Egbema Power Plant project to Imo State Government.

The Forum expressed happiness that with the electricity initiative, Governor Uzodimma “has set the ball rolling for massive infrastructural development, rapid industrialisation, revamping of small and medium entrepreneurship, 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.”

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The professionals commended the governor for “engaging a world-class power company from Egypt, Elsewedy Power Generation, for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in the State,” adding that they are 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.

The statement added: “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. Governor 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 Dee Sam Mbakwe.

“With this bold stride by Governor Uzodimma, our Forum is confident that in the next 12 months, Imo State will witness a fillip in industrialisation, there will massive rise in small and medium enterprises, there will be a resurgence in youth creativity and employment; our fabrication yards will come alive, there will be food sufficiency and our State will return to the good old days as major social and economic investment hub for the South East and the nation at large.”

The forum also commended the governor 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. 

It further expressed delight that the project will have a direct impact on the economy of the state, including creating markets, investments, and employment opportunities.