Governor Hope Uzodimma has pledged that all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Imo State will soon enjoy uninterrupted power supply. He made this assurance while signing two executive bills into law, one concerning electricity and the other amending the Imo State Polytechnic Law.
The governor emphasized the importance of the new Imo State Electricity Law, stating that it would not only benefit rural communities but also urban centers, fostering rapid development. He highlighted the critical role of electricity in everyday life, likening it to food.
Uzodimma expressed concern over the Amaraku electricity project, which has been abandoned for 18 years. He revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the transfer of the project to Imo State, and an agreement has been signed with a reputable Egyptian power company to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in the state.
Furthermore, the governor announced the signing of an agreement with an Egyptian firm, Afreximbank, Fidelity bank, and the Marriott Group to build a 200-room Imo Marriott Hotel in Owerri. These projects are expected to create over 5,000 direct jobs in the state.
Uzodimma also mentioned an agreement with Elsewedy Power Generation for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the state within the next eight months. He emphasized that the projects aim to boost Imo State's economy through industrialization.
Regarding the amendment of the Imo Polytechnic Law, the governor explained that centralizing its operations was necessary due to the state's operation of three universities, which is unusual in Nigeria. This move aims to streamline resources and enhance the learning environment for students.
Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Chike Olemgbe, commended the governor for the proactive approach in presenting the bills, affirming the assembly's collaboration for the progress and development of Imo State.
