…The opportunities are here – Gov Mbah
Vice President Kashim Shettima Monday officially launched the Light Up Nigeria project, South East Initiative in Enugu, describing it as the much-expected solution to the power supply deficit that has undermined the nation’s economy and industrialisation.
He said the project, which is part of the priorities set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revamp the nation’s economy and ensure rapid industrialisation, heralds renewed hope for industrialists, investors and Nigerians who had to bear the brunt of the country’s power challenges for so long.
“This marks a renewal of hope for industrialists, for investors, and for the homes that have long endured the consequences of Nigeria’s power supply deficit.
“The Light Up Nigeria project powers the hope of our industrialists and serves as a long-awaited solution to the power supply deficit that has undermined our economy over the past decades.
“So, this intervention isn’t a ribbon-cutting charade. This is a calculated endeavour to re-engineer our economy, and whatever we design to oil the wheels of our industries is futile unless we stabilize the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” he said.
He warned that as the chairman of the Board of NDPHC, he’s under obligation “to hold every relevant official accountable and ensure that” the project is not abandoned.
The Vice President also commissioned the 181mw geometric power plant in Aba, Abia state, to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the region.
The project, a collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and its partners, is targeted at revamping Nigeria’s infrastructure framework with the much-needed drive in empowering Nigerians and strengthening the economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
The Vice President also flagged off the Smart Schools project of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu and various road projects in Abia state constructed by Governor Alex Otti.
Also speaking, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state thanked the Vice President for his professionalism and deep interest in the growth of the private sector.
He said the project was of critical importance since it deals with the power sector which is pivotal for economic growth, adding that it would translate to reduced power costs for the productive sector and create jobs.
“It aligns with our approach to governance in Enugu State. It’s a disruptive initiative, an innovative way to addressing the status quo.
“We are indeed happy to be associated with this as a region with a compact to the economy. With our population and market size of over 27 million, the opportunities are here.
“It’s initiatives like this that will drive the industrial growth we envisage in the South East and the reduction of poverty. It wouldn’t have come at a better time than this when we desire to boost our productivity as a nation.
“Let me enjoin our industrialists to take advantage of this initiative and remove any bottleneck to power use in the region. Let today go down in history as the turning point of power supply in the South-East,” he said.
