Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the establishment of a 10-megawatt (MW) Independent Power Project (IPP) at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, as part of a broader effort to resolve long-standing electricity issues affecting the university and its surrounding host communities.
The announcement was made on Thursday in Otamkpa, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, during the official defection of Mr. Lucky Johnson, the lawmaker representing Isiukwuato Constituency, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP).
Governor Otti said the IPP forms a key component of his administration’s ongoing energy reform initiative and aims to deliver a reliable power supply to the ABSU campus and the wider Uturu area.
“A few weeks ago, we signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, so we no longer need to go to anybody for approval to set up renewable energy or IPP, whether integrated or standalone,” the governor stated.
He also revealed that the state is in the process of establishing the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), which will oversee the generation and distribution of electricity within the state. A seasoned energy expert of Abia origin with experience managing similar projects in Canada has been tapped to lead the new agency.
“We are saying that the days of darkness are over, and you know, once light comes in, darkness takes flight,” Otti declared, reaffirming his commitment to sustainable development and improved living standards.
Infrastructure Vision Beyond Power
Governor Otti also reiterated his broader infrastructure development vision, pledging to tackle road rehabilitation alongside energy projects.
“We do not want potholes in Abia State; we want smooth driving, and we are going to gradually get to all the roads,” he assured.
Stakeholder Support and Reactions
The initiative received wide commendation from community leaders and government officials in attendance.
Hon. Amobi Ogah, member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, and Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, praised Governor Otti’s leadership and vision.
Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, the state’s Commissioner for Justice, noted that the governor’s performance had already surpassed expectations.
Chief Chidiebere Uguru, President General of the Isuikwuato Development Union, and Dr. Chidi Mba, President General of the Uturu Development Union, expressed gratitude for the attention given to energy and infrastructure in their communities.
Dr. Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) called the IPP a “welcome development,” highlighting its potential to improve both quality of life and economic opportunities in the region.
Once operational, the 10MW IPP is expected to become a benchmark for decentralized, state-driven energy solutions in Nigeria, underscoring the tangible impact of subnational power sector reform.