Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved the development of a 10-megawatt Independent Power Project (IPP) at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, to address persistent power supply issues within the university and surrounding communities.The governor made this announcement while receiving Mr. Lucky Johnson, the lawmaker representing Isiukwuato Constituency, who officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP), during an event in Otamkpa, Isiukwuato Local Government Area.
According to Otti, the new power initiative will not only provide consistent electricity for the university but also extend its benefits to the host community of Uturu. He explained that the state’s recently enacted Electricity Law gives Abia the autonomy to initiate power projects without federal approval.
“With the passage of the Abia State Electricity Law a few weeks ago, we now have the authority to implement renewable energy projects and independent power initiatives, whether integrated or standalone,” the governor said.
He also revealed that preparations are underway to establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), pending legislative approval by the Abia House of Assembly. Otti added that a seasoned professional from Abia, with experience in managing power projects in Canada, is set to lead the agency. “The era of darkness is coming to an end. Where there is light, darkness cannot thrive,” he declared.
Beyond power supply, Otti promised broader infrastructure upgrades across the state, including improved road networks. “We aim for pothole-free roads across Abia. Bit by bit, we’ll reach every community,” he assured. In separate remarks, House of Representatives member Mr. Amobi Ogah (Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency) and Abia House Speaker Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa praised Otti’s visionary leadership and urged residents to support his re-election bid in 2027.
Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, echoed their sentiments, commending the governor’s transformative agenda and affirming that his achievements have exceeded public expectations. The President General of Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chidiebere Uguru, and his Uturu counterpart, Dr. Chidi Mba, lauded the governor’s foresight, saying the people of Isuikwuato had long embraced his leadership and are now reaping the rewards through improved infrastructure.
In an interview, Johnson confirmed his defection to the LP and expressed optimism that with the support of local stakeholders, the entire political structure in Isiukwuato has now shifted to the Labour Party. He pledged strong backing for Otti’s 2027 re-election campaign. Also speaking, Dr. Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) welcomed the planned power project at ABSU, describing it as a game-changer that will uplift the quality of life across the region.
Source : https://nannews.ng/
