Professionals and businessmen in Imo State have applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for his hands-on moves to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the state.
This is coming on the heels of the signing of Imo State Electricity Law by Governor Uzodimma, a bold stride by the governor to enable the state to manage and activate electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in the state particularly the Amaraku power project as well as Egbema Power Plant which had been abandoned for over 18 years.
Professionals, businessmen and entrepreneurs in the state under the aegis of Forum of Imo Professionals (FIP) praised Governor Uzodimma for securing President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the transfer of the Egbema Power Plant project to Imo State Government.
The Forum, in a statement by its coordinator, Ambassador (Dr) Greg Mbadiwe, on Monday, expressed happiness that with the electricity initiative, Governor Uzodimma “has set the ball rolling for massive infrastructural development, rapid industrialization, revamping of small and medium entrepreneurships, 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.”
The professionals commended Governor Uzodimma for engaging a world-class power company from Egypt, Elsewedy Power Generation, for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in the state.
They added that they were 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.
“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 industrialization, 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 stated.
Ambassador (Dr) Greg Mbadiwe also commended Governor Uzodimma 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.
The Forum, therefore, expressed delight that the project will have a direct impact on the economy of the state, including creating markets, investments, and employment opportunities in the state.