FG to provide 24/7 power for Ariaria International market

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.

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 recently, said that the Agency has a mandate to provide power to the market.

She explained that the Agency was in Abia State 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 State 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, hence the need to find independent solution to the issue of power in the market.

According to the agency, some key focus of their visit 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 and the safety of the market through provision of Streetlights.

The Agency came with a technical team whose work was to go from shop to shop to collect data that will enable them provide adequate power as well as an expansion plan of the project to accommodate subsequent growth of the market.

Speaking during the occasion, President, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Sir Emma Nwakpadolu, thanked the Acting President and the Power Minister for their plans towards the market, praising the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for his passion for his people.

Speaking during the event, the leadership of various clusters in Ariaria international market, agreed to assist the Agency with any information that is required to kick-start the project.

Also speaking on the part of Abia State 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.

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.

The occasion featured the inspection and on-the-ground tour of Ariaria market by the agency, a team of technicians, Manufacturers and other key stakeholders.

The teams also deployed a drone to capture an aerial view of the entire market area which aroused the excitement of the entire market community 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.