Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday commissioned the 504 Mega Watts Alaoji Power Plant in Umuobasi-Ukwu, Abia State.
The plant is one of the ten by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
President Jonathan said he would continue to work hard to move the country forward.
The project would have been abandoned based on an unfavourable report when he was still the nation’s vice president. He said he visited the plant and discovered that the report was contrary to what was on the ground.
Jonathan said it was based on his findings that he directed that the project should continue.
“Power is key to development. Without it, small and micro businesses won’t survive. That is why we are committed to the development of the sector. We promise you that the second phase of this plant will be commissioned. We will work together to move this country forward,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State said the commissioning would remain indelible in the mind of the people of the state because earlier attempt was truncated by the spate of kidnappings in the state.
Orji said because the President came to their aide, the people of the state would show their gratitude on Saturday by ensuring that he wins the presidential election.
The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, recalled that the power plant was the fourth to be commissioned in short and quick succession.
He listed those that have been commissioned to include Geregu, Omotosho and Olorunsogo Power Plants adding that six more plants would be commissioned before the end of the year.
The Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, James Olotu, said the plant would have a capacity of 1,074 MW on completion.