Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State says his administration is working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to construct a two-megawatt micro dam on Ikpoba River to improve power generation as well as to create jobs in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Obaseki, said this in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday, November 1, 2018.
The Governor’s Aide said Obaseki disclosed this when he led some members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to family members of the late industrialist, Dr Efionayi Iyayi, in Benin on Wednesday.
The governor, extolling the roles late Iyayi played in boosting economic activities in the state, said: “We share his dreams that you must create the enabling environment for business to thrive.
‘’We will do all in our power, as a government, that the dream of creating jobs for Edo people is realised by my tenure.”
The governor said the two-megawatt dam project would commence next year and, on completion, supply power to a 30-hectare estate.
He said the estate would have an entertainment park that would host Nollywood investments.
Obaseki said his administration was also working on a 50-megawatt power plant that would be fired by gas produced in Ologbo area of the state.
‘’Two weeks ago, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission approved licence for one of our partners in Ologbo for the first phase of a 50-megawatt electricity which will be fired by gas produced in the area.”
‘’Construction has started, and the first phase of the electricity will supply power to the Benin Industrial park,” said the governor.
In his remarks, the first son of the deceased, Mr Caesar Iyayi, thanked Gov. Obaseki and his entourage for the condolence visit.
He said his late father lived an accomplished life worthy of emulation and created jobs for many people in Edo through his investments in manufacturing, construction and agriculture.
“He used his own resources to build a 20-kilometre road linking Benin-Abuja Expressway to Akure.
“He extended electricity to Egba Community from Benin City and built factories and police stations in the state.
“My father led a life of accommodation, tolerance, justice and sacrifice,” he said.
By Joy Odigie
