The Nigerian Hoteliers Association (NHA), Imo State Chapter, has showered encomiums on the Executive Governor of Imo State, , Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, for the successful implementation and expansion of the Orashi Electricity Project, describing it as one of the landmark legacy projects of the administration aimed at improving the welfare of the people and stimulating economic growth across the state.
This commendation was made during a high-level interactive meeting facilitated by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Rt. Hon. Barr. Ernest Ibejiako, between members of the Association and the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Electrification, Engr. Nwabueze Oguchienti.
This is contained in a release issued by the Public Relations Officer,Awaeze V.C and availed Daily Nigerian Horn.
Speaking during the meeting, Barr. Ibejiako noted that Governor Uzodimma’s visionary leadership has continued to transform critical sectors of the state’s economy through strategic investments in infrastructure, with the Orashi Electricity Project standing out as a game-changing intervention for the hospitality industry.
According to the Commissioner, the hospitality sector, which plays a pivotal role in tourism development, employment generation and revenue creation, has over the years grappled with the burden of exorbitant energy costs occasioned by heavy dependence on diesel-powered generators. He observed that the availability of reliable and affordable electricity through the Orashi Project would significantly reduce operational costs for hotels and hospitality establishments, improve service delivery, and enhance the overall experience of visitors and tourists to Imo State.
Barr. Ibejiako expressed profound appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his unwavering commitment to the growth of the hospitality industry. He noted that the remarkable progress being recorded in the sector today is a direct result of the Governor’s infrastructural revolution and the deliberate policies of Government aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Furthering,he thanked
His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his exceptional leadership and enduring commitment to the development of Imo State and urged him to remain steadfast in his transformational drive, noting that Imo State is steadily rising as a destination of choice for tourism, hospitality, investment and economic growth “Imo is on the rise, and the hospitality industry is rising with it” he said.
The Commissioner also highlighted the ongoing reforms, peace-building initiatives and sanitization efforts being championed by the Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, which have restored order, strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and repositioned the hospitality industry for sustainable growth. He stated that these reforms have enabled operators to effectively benefit from the numerous developmental projects and basic infrastructure being provided by the State Government.
In his presentation, the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Electrification, Engr. Nwabueze Oguchienti, traced the origin of the Orashi Electricity Project to the constitutional and legislative reforms in the electricity sector, particularly the amendment of the Electricity Act which empowers states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.
He commended Governor Uzodimma for his foresight and determination in driving the project from conception to implementation, beginning with the successful pilot phase in New Owerri. He disclosed that several hotels and business establishments within the pilot area have already been connected and are enjoying uninterrupted electricity supply without the burden of estimated billing.
Engr. Oguchienti assured stakeholders that, upon full deployment across the state, the Orashi Electricity Project would eliminate many of the long-standing challenges associated with electricity supply, including low voltage, frequent outages and estimated billing, while guaranteeing a more efficient and customer-friendly power distribution system.
He encouraged interested hotels and hospitality establishments to take advantage of the opportunity by submitting applications through the Ministry of Power and Electrification, assuring them of prompt consideration and connection.
Responding on behalf of the members, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Hoteliers Association, Imo State Chapter, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat E. Nwosu, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as a bold and transformative intervention in the power sector. He noted that the project would not only improve business operations but also strengthen investor confidence and contribute significantly to the growth of tourism and hospitality in the state.
The Association reaffirmed its support for the administration’s developmental agenda and pledged continued collaboration with Government in advancing policies and programmes that promote economic prosperity and sustainable development.
