In its determination for an improve electricity power supply in Delta state, the Ifeanyi Okowa led government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thames Energy Limited, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, (BEDC) and the Isoko Development Union, (IDU), for the construction of a 20 Megawatt Power Plant in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North local government area.
Signing on behalf of Delta state government, at the BEDC headquarters, Benin City, Edo State, Oghenekaro Ilolo, Delta state Commissioner for Urban Renewal, said the tripartite arrangement was part of the Public Private Partnership policy of the Okowa led administration for the generation and distribution of electricity supply in the state.
Mr. Ilolo, disclosed that the MoU for the generation of the 20Megawatts of electricity in Isoko will facilitate economic development of the area and serve as a catalyst for industrialization of the area in line with the Urban Renewal as encapsulated in the SMART agenda of the Okowa’s administration.
The Urban Renewal commissioner, who expressed optimism that partnership will solve the epileptic power supply in the area, gave an assurance that the governor Okowa’s administration was fully committed to its Urban Renewal agenda.
While calling on the people of Isoko and its environs to cooperate with Thames Energy Limited for the prompt execution of the project, Ilolo however assured them of more government projects in the days ahead even as he enjoined traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to protect electricity facilities which he described as government critical infrastructures.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu in her opening remarks, thanked the Delta state government through the Ministry of Urban Renewal for facilitating the project which according to her will improve on the socio-economic development of the Isoko people and Delta state at large.
Mrs. Osibodu, commended the Delta State Government for remaining a formidable host and reliable partner.
On the rationale why BEDC involved in the deal, the BEDC Managing Director explained that it was informed by the Company’s quest and commitment in improving the quality of life of electricity consumers by providing reliable and stable power supply with limited interruptions.
The BEDC boss who described Thames Energy, their partner in the electricity generation project as a company that possess the requisite experience in power generation business for a period spanning over a quarter of a century of delivering innovative and energy-efficient solutions to an extensive range of private, industrial and commercial clients, expressed the hope that with the signing of the MoU, all was set for the take-off of the next phase of the project.
Our correspondent reports that the epoch making event which is the first of its kind in Delta state to guarantee a 24 hour light in Isoko Land, was witnessed by the chairman of Isoko South local government council who doubles as Delta State chairman of the Association Of Local Government Of Nigeria, (ALGON), Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, (Malik), the President General of Isoko Development Union, (IDU), Mr. Iduh Amadhe, the Ovie of Emede Kingdom, Johnson Egbo, Ewheri II and Mr. Abu Ejoor, Executive Director, BEDC amongst others.
