By James Aniekan
IKOT EKPENE – Governor Umo Eno has said that Akwa Ibom state for too long has suffered epileptic power supply inimical to her development amidst abundant energy potentials and that he has stepped in as the liberator to rescue the state from the trajectory.
He said he won’t allow tackling the challenge of poor power supply elude his administration because he sees electricity not as a luxury but a necessity that must be accessible to all Akwa Ibomites to enjoy better life.
Eno was addressing stakeholders Thursday at Ikot Ekpene as he welcomed stakeholders to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Summit themed: Fulfilling The Promise of
Reliable, Affordable and Universal Access To Electricity in Our State.
The governor wondered why a state blessed with abundant gas, a state owned power plant still grapples with epileptic power supply while still paying a $9Million loan on account of the power plant.
He tole told the gathering of state actors, investors and partners that, “For decades our people have lived with the paradox of great energy potential but could not fully appropriate the gift.
“We’re blessed with abundance of gas, a state owned power plant yet too many of our homes, businesses, schools and hospitals are grappling with epileptic power supply.
“The questions then become, why is our state owned Ibom Power Company (IPC) with installed capacity of 191 megawatts not working optimally for the benefit of our people since it was established in 2001?
“What clear parts can we adopt to make it work despite the huge resources that have been sunk into its operation of which we today are still repaying the Afriexim bank loan of $9M? What do we need to do to get the IPC working to the very benefit of our people?
“These are very hard questions and we dare to threat on grounds that angels fear to thread on in this summit. The hard questions must be asked. Answers must be preferred, actions must be taken because if we don’t, this will be another talk shop.”
He added, “We have not gathered the key players in this industry from the length and breathe of this country for nothing. Time has come that someone should step out there and take the decision to make this work.
“I dare say, by the mandate of our Akwa Ibom people, I will take that decision. This summit while it holds great promise to us should not be another talk workshop.
“It should chart a roadmap and be seen as a call to action with clear timelines on who should so what, when will such actions be completed, what are the clear expectations the clear expectations outlines, how did our brother and sister states achieve power 247?”
Acknowledging the presence of representatives of the governors of neighboring states who have come to share experiences in the summit, the governor said only in such atmosphere of collecting bargaining, “can we can successfully tell ourselves we’re ready to move forward on our journey achieving electricity for all.”
According to him, “Our vision in Akwa Ibom for total electricity access is anchored on a simple principal -electricity must not be seen as a luxury, but a fundamental enabler of modern life.
“When a rural health clinic steady power, lives are saved. When are farmers can process and store their produce, incomes rise, when our artisans have reliable energy, productivity soars. When our children can study under good lighting, the future becomes even brighter, literally and figuratively.
“Electricity is the basic and most important resource to give our people the opportunities to live longer and better. The collective aspiration by governors of the states to attain energy security in their territories is one that must be deliberately planned and purposefully executed.
“Under our Electricity Policy 2024 and Electricity Law 2025, we now have the legal, regulator and policy foundation to establish the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market.
“Akwa Ibom Electricity Reforms will be attained within the context of Nigeria’s reforming, reshaping and redesigning the electricity supply industry. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments as envisaged in the electricity act.
“Last we on Abuja, Akwa Ibom State Government executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rural Electrification Agency, that commits both parties to working closely together, to share information, date, personnel and technical assistance in expanding electricity to Akwa Iboms unserved and served communities.”
Among goodwill messages, the Minister of Power, Chief Adedayo Adelabu, represented by Adedayo Ololin, Chief Advice, believed the ambition of Governor Eno “can only be achieved through collaboration, cooperation and strong partnership among the federal, states and local governments.”
He cautioned the Akwa Ibom state governor to ensure that the state’s initiatives align with the federal government’s efforts, policies and standards while also harping on the need to increase incomes for the populace as affordability remains a key factor for sustainable energy for all.
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