By Obas Esiedesa
Ogun State Government has solicited the support of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to make power available to its planned expansion of the industrial base of Abeokuta, the state capital.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made the appeal he received the management of the NDPHC in Abeokuta.
Represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Prince Abiodun disclosed that the state plan involves setting up industrial clusters around the new Lagos-Ibadan Railway Line which passes through the City.
He noted that the need to have adequate power to serve industries in the State had led to the setting up of an Energy Board with the mandate to identify challenges and proffer solutions to issues relating to unavailability of power for industrial use.
He said the state government while looking at ways of attracting more businesses and industries to the state, has also embarked on an energy audit, with the view to preparing an environment that would be devoid of epileptic power supply for industries that see the State as a preferred destination.
He said: “You also know that the new Lagos-Ibadan Rail passes through Abeokuta and part of the plan of this Government is to try and build an Industrial Cluster along that line to make sure that we take advantage of it (the line). Without doubt, these are going to be areas where we will be needing power. We will work with you and our team to achieve this objective”, he said.
Managing Director/CEO, NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo in his response explained that the team’s visit was to ensure that the output from its 750 Megawatt Olorunsogo Power Plant in the state was taken in full for the benefit of Nigerians.
Ugbo added that the company also has plans to reach out to consumers directly through the ‘end-to-end strategy’.
He explained that the Olorunsogo plant was operational and currently undergoing routine maintenance, as required by the original equipment manufacturer, adding that his team would continue to work with all relevant stakeholders, to get stranded electricity out of the power plant for the benefit of the people.
