Sequel to various persuasive moves by the Governor of Abia State, Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu to the Federal Government ,which is hinged on the success and development of the Ariaria International market as the economic hub of the country, The Acting President Prof.Yemi Osibajo through the office of the Minister for power, has directed that Ariaria International Market be provided with a 24/7 power supply.
The Managing Director ,Rural Electrification Agency, Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi who led a powerful delegation to Aba chamber of Commerce,Industry, Mines and Agriculture( ACCIMA) to interact with leadership of the Chamber and Clusters in Ariaria Market said that the Agency has a mandate to provide power to the market.
She explained that the Agency is in Abia to do a forensic study on major interest areas that will enable easy take off of the project which is Ariaria focused.
She said that Abia Governor is so passionate about the project and had gone ahead to make strong cases for electrification of the Market which according to the Governor will be a big relieve to Aba manufacturers and other SMEs owing to the fact that power has hindered ease of doing business in Ariaria.
Power is needed to power the automated machines manufacturers are bringing in, there is therefore a need to find independent solution to the issue of power in the market.
The agency laid down some key focus of their visit which bothers on:
* Rate of power consumption in Ariaria market and the mode of payment either through associations or prepaid meters.
* Number of shops, traders and the cost for alternative power which the market has been using considering that the Federal Government must provide a cheaper alternative.
* The Number of working Hours and the possibility of extension if 24/7 hour power is provided.
* Safety of the market through provision of Streetlights.
The Agency came with a technical team whose work is to go from shop to shop to collect data that will enable them to provide adequate power. There is also an expansion plan of the project to accommodate subsequent growth of the market.
Sir Emma Nwakpadolu ,the President Aba Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Acting president and Power Minister for their plans towards the market. He eulogized the Governor for his passion for his people.
Speakers and leadership of various clusters in Ariaria international market, agreed to assist the Agency with any information that is required to kick start the project.
Part of the activities included inspection and on-the-ground tour of Ariaria market by the agency, team of technicians, Manufacturers and other key stakeholders. The team also deployed a drone to capture an aerial view of the entire market area. The entire market community erupted with excitement and jubilation in appreciation of Governor Ikpeazu’s continuous interventions to improve commercial activities and ease of doing business in Aba in particular and Abia in general environment.
While speaking on the part of Abia Government, Mr Chinenye Nwogu thanked the market leaders and manufacturers for their cooperation. He noted that their commitment will continue to motivate the Government towards attracting more projects to the Market and urged them to continue to work hard and support Governor Ikpeazu’s vision for Aba economy.
Mr Nwaogu assured that State Government will make sure all the plans discussed will become a reality.
The team from Abia State Government was led by Mr. Chinenye Nwogu and Mr. Sam Hart. Chigoziri Chigbu and Ikechukwu Iroha were also present at the meeting.
