Otti explores areas of collaboration with EU, calls for adequate sensitization on education loan

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has expressed his administration’s willingness to work with the European Union (EU) for the development of the various sectors of the State’s economy.

This is even as the Governor has called for adequate sensitization on the merits of the National Education Loan Funds (NELFUND) for Nigerian students in institutions of higher learning.

Governor Otti spoke when he received in audience a delegation of the EU, led by Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Corporations who came to the State on a working visit.

The Governor identified the power sector, restoration of public water schemes, health, agriculture, trade (easy access to raw materials for Aba manufactures, standardization of made in Aba goods for export to European markets) and others as areas the State will need support and collaboration with the EU.

Otti later took the EU delegation on a tour of the State.

At Geometric Power Aba, Governor Otti commended the management for the significant progress made in its effort to supply Aba with stable power.

He expressed delight to hear the company is now producing 75 megawatts of power.

“I am happy to hear the progress that you have made. If you have 75 megawatts, that means, there is still some power left in the second turbine, and I think it should be over 90 megawatts, if you are operating at full capacity.

“The third turbine should also come on stream anytime soon because anytime it is not working, you are losing money. You can never recall it,” Gov. Otti noted.

“On our own, I was telling Massimo (EU leader of delegation) that we are also discussing with Enugu DisCo on the acquisition of the Umuahia part of the ringed fenced so that, when you have excess capacity monthly, instead of moving it to the national grid, you can just wheel it to Umuahia.

“I have had extensive discussion with Prof. Barth Nnaji who sees that as a profitable possibility,” Gov. Otti stated.

Mr. Massimo De Luca, said that the delegation was in Aba to assess where the company is in terms of the different forms of distribution and find out the possibility of partnership.

He said they are targeting catalytic investments from Nigerian investors both the public and private.

“So, my presence here is to assess where we are in terms of the different forms of distribution, the possibility of developing different forms of franchise and to expand effective franchising in Abia and Nigeria. Hoping that Abia will remain the lead and example to follow for other states in Nigeria ,” De Luca stated.

Managing Director, Aba Power, Ugo Opiegbe had earlier told the delegation that the power plant has the capacity of producing 141 megawatts of power.

He said presently, they have achieved a peak power production of over 75 megawatts, adding that they have built on the distribution side including four brand new injection sub-stations.

Meanwhile, Otti has called for adequate sensitization on the merits of the National Education Loan Funds (NELFUND) for Nigerian students in institutions of higher learning.

The Governor made the call when he received the Director, Regional Advocacy, National Education Loan Funds, Nneamaka Okafor.

He was of the view that if the people were well – informed about the programme they would access the students’ loan to enable them pursue their academic dreams.

He said that an average Igbo man has an attitude towards loan, hence, the need for the advocacy.