Uzere kingdom, an Oil Producing Community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, was agog over the weekend over the arrival of the Independent Power Plant Gas Turbine Equipment.
The equipment which landed the community on Saturday brought joy to all sons and daughters of Uzere kingdom as people from neighbouring communities trooped out enmassed to view the equipments.
Speaking with newsmen, the traditional ruler of Uzere kingdom, HRM, Isaac Odhiwhu Udogri I, expressed delight in the arrival of the Independent Power Plant Gas Turbine.
He said; “This is the first of its kind in Isoko land. And those artisans and business men in Uzere will benefit a lot from this project. The community in collaboration with the contractor will manage it. I urge every Uzere sons and daughters, to ensure that they protect this project. Nobody should have an evil mind against this project. Because its for all of us, everybody will benefit from it. Both young and old, rich and poor.”
On his part, the CEO/Managing Director of SafeConnect Investments Limited, Engr Michael Ikoro Ekpoh said, “We have done every procurement, shipment and hurlage processes. Every equipment of this project from A-Z has been brought to site. So installation which is the final stage before commissioning will start next week Tuesday. Within 3weeks, we would have finish installment. We have the issue of gas but the community is working with the asset providers to ensure that enough gas is supplied to power the project.
“Uzere people are very lucky, we have been discussing and talking with the regulators. Also the signing into law of the 2023 Electricity Act, is an added advantage to the people of Uzere.”
On the compliance of BEDC with Uzere kingdom over the IPP Project, Engr Ekpoh noted that; “BEDC should be very happy that, there is a self initiative from an Oil Producing Community that have all its takes not to be poor. So they took the bull by the horn to see that they have light. When you are coming from Oleh to Uzere, you will see that the National Greed from Oleh,Uzere, and Asaba-Ase has been vandalized for over 1 year. So they cannot continue to remain in darkness and they took this initiative. I think, BEDC should be able to give them laudable appreciation for being able to do what they could not do.
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“I have been hearing Isoko Need Gas Turbine, that is a very good one. I urge Isoko communities particularly the Oil Producing ones, to key into this project to have a replica in their various communities.
“Let us change our mindset by distancing ourselves from being negative and light up the whole Isoko nation with the gas turbine. The joy I have is actualizing my vision to be a source of light to my people using my expertise and my experience as a former general manager in NEPA. To better the lives of my people is a big plus to me.
“Today, I am one of the happiest people on earth because what I could not do in NEPA, I am doing it out of NEPA. And we know Electricity is a bit expensive. But we have to start something, we have to put our hearts in it. Many people do not believe in what we are seeing today. But that’s what it is for one to stand on his vision.”
The Chairman Uzere Independent Power Plant Project Sub Committee, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, said; “I am very impressed with the arrival of the Independent Power Plant Gas Turbine. You know Uzere is known for pioneering things, we are pioneering this in Isoko land. At least everyone is happy about this laudable achievements we have recorded in Uzere kingdom. Its a great day in Uzere, celebration mood activated.”
He advised other Isoko Oil Producing Communities to take a clue from what Uzere has done so that Isoko will be better placed and Isoko will be a land for investment.
“In few weeks from now, Uzere will be a commercial city to reckon with. Because with functioning of the Independent Power Plant Gas Turbine, economic activities in Uzere will be revive and our people will have course to celebrate.” Bashorun Askia Ogieh stated.
Expressing delight on the arrival of the Independent Power Plant Gas Turbine, the present President General of Uzere kingdom, Prince Sunny Eloho Eke and Chief Brooklyn Essi, immediate past President-General of Uzere, said; “Uzere is about to witness a developmental turn around in the next few weeks.”
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