He adds that the Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, is ready to meet the electricity needs of citizens.
The Vice President said this in Aba, the Abia State capital, on Monday, when he represented President Tinubu as the special guest of honour at the inauguration of the power project.
Going philosophical, the Vice President said with persistence and determination, dreams can be turned into reality.
“This project bears testimony to the power of dreams. Dreams when persisted are capable of turning into realities and it equally bears testament to the fact that where there is a will, there is a way.
“I bring you glad tidings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is mightily proud of the completion of this project and he is equally proud of Prof. Barth Nnaji,” he said.
He therefore, hailed the patience of the company that carried out the project, which lasted over 20 years, under the tutelage of its Chief Executive Office, Prof. Barth Nnaji.
“The wear and tear plus patience that he bore for the past 20 years took a very heavy toll on him but here it is today we are commissioning this game changing project,” the VP added.
Similarly, he used the occasion to praise the commitment of the President of African Export-Import Bank, Benedict Oramah, for serving as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria and always believing in the Nigeria project.
“Martin Luther King says the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands at times of comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of conflict and controversy.
“There is one Nigerian that has always stood by the Nigerian nation in all circumstances with no strings attached. He has fiercely identified with the Nigeria project; he is Professor Ben Oramah.
“Ben Oramah is a quintessential African patriot who has used his platform not for personal aggrandizement but for the advancement of the course of the black man,” he stated.
While commending the hard work of the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, the Vice President said:
“Leadership is very crucial in our African setting. As the late Chinua Achebe captured, saying our only guarantee against the worst ravages of the federal government is a vigilant populace that knows its rights and can stand up and say no to sacrilege.
“I saw the outpouring of emotions of love and support for Dr Alex Otti. I was privileged to commission three roads in this state on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. Your Excellency posterity will be very kind to you; keep the flag flying, keep up the good work.”
Massive Support
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, thanked the federal government for supporting private sector investment to improve electricity supply.
He said the project, started about 20 years ago, shows the State government’s commitment to meeting the basic needs of its citizens.
Governor Otti said the project was completed with support from First and Diamond Banks PLC and the Africa Export-Import Bank.
The Governor pledged more support for the company that carried out the project, as he promised to continue to support private partners of the State.
Protection
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, expressed delight at the completion and commissioning of the project during his tenure.
He assured Nigerians that the era of estimated billing will soon be over, as the federal government is poised to provide enough meters for citizens.
Adelabu said the Aba Power Project was a child of necessity aimed at supporting the traders of Ariaria International market as well as citizens of the State with adequate power supply.
He therefore urged citizens of the State to own all electricity infrastructures in their domains by protecting them.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the company that carried out the power project, Geometrics Power Group, Prof. Barth Nnaji, also thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for focusing on how to improve electricity supply across the country.
He said with adequate gas supply, the company has the capacity to provide enough electricity for all parts of the State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also inaugurated three township roads in Aba, before leaving Abia state back to his base in Abuja.
Those who graced the occasion include members of the National Assembly from Abia State, Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Uba, Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu and Former Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, among others.
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