By CHARLES IWUOHA

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a total of 15 MVA injection substation to boost power in Umuahia and its environs.

The 15 MVA injection substations include, the 7.5 MVA, 33/11 kV substation project being done in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Power Holding Company (NDPHC) as a Federal Government Project under the NIPP initiative and another 7.5 MVA injection substation project to be done by the State government as provided in the 2026 budget estimate.

Speaking on Wednesday during the event at Ogurube layout, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti said that his administration is single-minded in ensuring that it solves the energy problem in various ways.

The Governor, who acknowledged that the project aligns with the plan of the State government, "We thought ahead of them (NDPHC).

"And we included it in the proposed 2026 budget, which is before the House of Assembly, to complement NDPHC by installing, by the side here, another 7.5 MVA injection substation.

While assuring that the State's own project would be completed within three months (January to March), Governor Otti urged the contractor for the NDPHC to reduce his delivery schedule to six months to enable him commission the two projects by June next year.

Governor Otti thanked Mr. President for his effective redirection of the national outlook on electricity to accommodate a broader spectrum of stakeholders, including States, the private sector players, and a network of international partners and appreciated the NDPHC management led by Engineer Jennifer Adighije, for looking favourably to Abia State for the strategic infrastructure investment designed to improve power distribution within and around Umuahia.

"This gesture has further strengthened our conviction in the power of partnership as a reliable development vehicle.

"Let me promptly assure the decision makers at the NDPHC that the Abia State Government shall leverage every resource at its disposal to see to the timely actualization and activation of these projects in ways that would serve the economic and social needs of the community" Gov. Otti stated.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.

He equally disclosed that the State Government has concluded arrangements with Heirs Holdings to commence steady and uninterrupted supply of gas to Aba Power Limited to boost her electricity production.

In his speech, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa while assuring the continuous support of the State House of Assembly to the Governor for good governance and development, stated that,

"What we are seeing here today is exactly what has been going on since the inception of this government.

"Your Excellency. We will continue to support you with whatever legislation you want us to do to enhance your programmes.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday said that the whole essence of the project is to improve power distribution within Umuahia and noted that, as at today "the feed that feeds this particular area is overloaded"

"And we think this is part of the whole power transformation agenda of our dear Governor. He always says, "if we don't solve the problem of power, we will not achieve the transformative programme, which we have planned" Engr. Monday stated.

In their various goodwill messages, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Member representing Ikwuano Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha and former member representing Ikwuano Umuahia, Honourable Oluchi Udo Ibeji saluted Governor Otti for attracting such a big project into Umuahia.

They acknowledged the fact that, power is the bane of any development in society, adding that without power, no business can make reasonable progress.

Presenting her address, the Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Engr. Jennifer Adighije ably represented by the Executive Director - Networks, Engineer Bello Babayo Bello described the groundbreaking ceremony as a significant milestone in its company's ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigerian power infrastructure, enhance industrial productivity and support sustainable economic growth across the country.

He disclosed that the key installations include; 7.5MVA, 33/11KV Injection Substation,1KM of 33KV Line and 1.2KM of 11KV Line, Installation of Two (2) Units of 3700KVA Distribution Substations and Deployment of 2KM of Low Tension (LT) Line.

While thanking Governor Otti for his commitment to collaborating with them, the Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company said that the company believes that access to reliable and stable electricity supply is fundamental to national development.

The ground-breaking ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D and other top ranking Government appointees

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