Embracing a stride towards sustainable development, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, officially endorsed two executive bills on Thursday. One of the bills focuses on electricity while the other aims to revise the Imo State Polytechnic Law No. 15 of 2012, laying the groundwork for the integration of polytechnic campuses.
The Governor emphasized the significance of enacting these two bills to steer Imo State toward a pathway of enduring progress.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of inadequate electricity generation and distribution on the state’s development metrics, Governor Uzodimma stressed the need for urgent action to address this issue.
Furthermore, Governor Uzodimma disclosed that he sought permission from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to acquire the Egbema Power Plant – a federal project initiated under the auspices of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company in 2006, which had been left in disuse. Fortunately, the President approved the request, enabling the state government to revamp the plant’s facilities and utilize them to tackle Imo State’s electricity challenges, aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Following extensive evaluations involving experts, technical partners, and government officials at the Egbema Power Plant site, Governor Uzodimma expressed optimism that within a year, the narrative surrounding power generation, distribution, and utilization in Imo State will undergo a remarkable transformation.
Regarding the bill aimed at amending the Imo State Polytechnic Law No. 15 of 2012 to facilitate the merger of campuses, Governor Uzodimma underscored the state’s significant financial commitment in hosting a considerable number of tertiary institutions in the country.
Through the adoption of the Imo State Polytechnic Amendment Bill, transitioning from a multi-campus system to a mono-campus framework, Governor Uzodimma foresees a more favorable impact on the welfare of students, their benefactors, and the government holistically, particularly in ensuring the safety of students and educators.
During the bill presentation for endorsement, Speaker Chike Olemgbe commended the rigorous scrutiny that the bills underwent in the Imo State House of Assembly. He stated that “the electricity distribution and transmission bill is designed to enhance power supply and reinforce the distribution network to benefit our communities.”