Power supply: Ogun State Government signs memorandum of understanding with British Company

The Ogun State Government has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a British Power Firm, Konexa for an increase supply of electricity to unlock more of its economic potentials and attract more investors to the State.

Penpushing reports that, the agreement was reached on Wednesday at Governor Dapo Abiodun’s office located at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, stressing that the state as an industrial hub of the country, will need an increase supply of electricity.

‘As a leading industrial State, there is need for the State to have constant power supply at all times to serve existing companies and attract new ones’, Abiodun explained, adding that there was a nexus between industrial development as large, medium and small scale businesses rely on power to thrive.

The Governor added that self sufficiency in electricity would encourage artisans to venture into small businesses which would in future boost the industrial capacity of the State, and  while enumerating some of the steps taken to provide enabling business environment, noted the re-engineering of infrastructure including roads and housing.

Penpushing further reports that, Abiodun pointed out that the State was also making headway in Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Youth Empowerment.

“We are rebuilding our roads and providing affordable housing to our people and those who would want to come and invest in our State. Currently we are embarking on the construction of 2,500 affordable houses across the State. We are also going to construct 10,000 houses that would go for between N1m to N2m’.

“Our State is the largest producer of rice, cassava, poultry and even fish in the country. For us to harness all these potentials, we need adequate supply of electricity as this will encourage potential investors to come and invest in our State”, he said.

The Governor on township renewal called for collaboration from interested investors, stressing that there was need for a total remodeling of Ibafo- Mowe axis, as well as the Ado-Odo/Ota corridor, as these towns were allowed to grow without proper planning.

Penpushing also reports that, he expressed the hope that the agreement between the State and the company would be mutually beneficial, as the State Government was looking forward to tapping from its expertise for the good of the people.

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria who led the company’s delegation, Mr. Ben Lienellyn-Jones, said the company was in the State to partner with government in the area of energy and power and other businesses to create jobs for the people.

Penpushing reports that, Lienellyn-Jones said the company was inspired by the vision and steps taken by the Governor in liberalising the economy and providing a business friendly environment that support investors.

The Director in the Company, Mr. Joel Abrams, while speaking said the company would focus on making available 250 Megawatts of electricity to serve 50, 000 residents and companies at the initial stage and would be improved upon subsequently.

Penpushing further reports that, Personnel Head, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Ademola Adewumni on his part, maintained that with the coming of the company, there would be improved and quality supply of electricity in the State, assuring that his organization would provide the needed support in the areas of supply and distribution.