“Governor Udom Emmanuel has promised to ensure dedicated power supply to Ikot Abasi Local Government Area before the end of 2017” the Board Chairman of Ibom Power Company Limited, Engr. Etido Inyang has said.
Speaking during a courtesy visit of Ibom Power Board of Directors to the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, HRM, Edidem Udo Joe Ntuk Obom xii, Engr. Inyang said a study has been conducted with a robust plan to ensure dedicated power supply from Ibom power plant to Ikot Abasi before the end of the year. He said part of the plan is that whenever Ibom power units are on, Ikot Abasi will have power supply.
The Chairman said agitation from Ikpa Nung Assang and Ukpum Ete communities over non-payment of compensation has stalled the progress of the Federal Government’s (FG’s) project under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from Ikot Abasi to Ikot Ekpene.
Engr. Inyang pleaded with Ikpa Nung Assang and Ukpum Ete communities to cooperate with FG’s contractors to ensure that the projects are completed for evacuation of power from the 500Megawatts Phase 2 of Ibom Power Plant. He said once Ibom Power Phase 2 and GE Fast-Track power projects are completed, Ikot Abasi will become a power hub.
The Board Chairman said Ibom power has held meetings with the concerned Federal agencies and the contract has been reactivated. He therefore sought the cooperation of the communities to actualize the vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel in ensuring permanent and steady power supply to Ikot Abasi.
In response, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, HRM, Edidem Udo Joe Ntuk Obom xii flanked by the Clan Heads of both communities, Engr. Udia Celestine and Barr. C.M. Idem Udo of Ikpa Nung Assang and Ukpum Ete respectively, lauded the Board of Ibom power for identifying with Ikot Abasi Stakeholders.
He said it is the first time the Board of Ibom power will visit his Palace. HRM Ntuk Obom said FG has requested NIPP and NDDC to ensure the completion of the transmission projects and appealed to the communities to cooperate with Ibom power and FG towards the completion of the projects.
He urged the community to put into consideration the fact that their children will be beneficiaries of the development in Ikot Abasi. The Paramount Ruler concluded by saying that a committee will be set-up with the representatives of all parties involved in the projects to address the issues in contention.