Buhari Inagurates Ariaria Power Plant In Abia State

Buhari Inagurates Ariaria Power Plant In Abia State

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will continue to inaugurate more infrastructures and projects for the common good irrespective of party differences.

This was contained in a statement by Buhari’s presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, during the inauguration of the Independent Power Plant (IPP) in the Ariaria market in Aba, Abia state.

According to the president, “electricity has no political colour” and as such his administration will continue to execute people-oriented projects around the country irrespective of party differences.

The president expressed delight that 37,000 shops belonging to traders and small business owners in Ariara market will, one after the other, be connected to the dedicated electricity supply.

He said the feat will strengthen the Made-in-Nigeria policy.

‘‘I am pleased to be here today at the milestone connection of 4,000 shops that now have dedicated power,” Buhari said.

Buhari was in company of Rochas Okorochas, governor of Imo state, Damilola Ogunbiyi, MD, Rural Electrification Agency Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia state and Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, works and housing.

Speaking on the  Ariaria Power plant project the President said,  ‘‘Today with policies and programmes such as this IPP we have demonstrated that if the common good is our mutual objective, it can be achieved irrespective party differences and constitutional limitations.

‘‘Electricity has no political colour. Being a market that supplies shoes, bags, clothing, trunks and many household accessories to Nigeria, many African countries like Chad, Cameroun, Gambia and Central Africa Republic, the reliable power supply is critical for ease of doing business to ensure sustainability and improvement.

‘‘I am told that before this intervention, traders in the market only got 4 hours a day of electricity and paid exorbitantly for it, which consequently affected the viability of many businesses.

‘‘This is the sad legacy we inherited but which we are replacing with an all-day power supply that is cleaner and better for our environment.

‘‘Those who turned their backs on these problems still have the courage to campaign about unemployment and poverty. What is happening in Ariaria today by way of clean, independent and reliable power to markets and small businesses is happening in Kano, Lagos, Ondo and Ibadan.

‘‘Similar initiatives have started in nine federal universities with a plan to cover 37 universities, through government funding.’’

See Photo From The Inauguration of The  Ariaria  Power Plant Below: