Edo State Government’s dream to fast-track infrastructural and industrial development of the state received a boost, weekend, as two of Nigeria’s leading industrialists; Chief Ikhide Arumemi-Johnson, Chairman Arik Air and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies have signified interest to set up multi-million dollar industries in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, weekend, Chairman of Arik Air, Chief Arumemi-Johnson said that Airline belongs to Edo people and he owes it a duty to support the development of the state.
According to him, the Edo people have given the airline enough support and he promised not to disappoint them.
“I have a duty to support the development of Edo State, no matter how little we are,” he said, adding that “we got a property very close to Ehor and I am pleased to inform His Excellency that we will be building an Independent Power Plant, IPP, and the first phase will be a 500 megawatts but when it is completed, it will be 1000mw and it will be the third largest power plant in Nigeria”, he noted
While soliciting the cooperation of the governor to bring the project to fruition by providing him with the necessary approvals, the Arik Air Chairman said they have already got a licence from the Federal Government for the IPP project in the state.
Sir Arumemi-Johnson also disclosed that there are plans to establish the Arik Aviation Academy in Benin City. He said the first phase of the power plant will cost about $400 million, while the total project will cost between $750 and $800 million. He also disclosed that both Aviation giants, Boeing and Airbus will partner with Arik Air on the Aviation school which will cost nothing less than $200 million.
Sir Arumemi-Johnson commended the governor for making the development of the state his focal point.
In his response, Governor Adams Oshiomhole promised to continue to provide the enabling environment for investors to thrive in the state.
He said the state government will continue to encourage private investors to sustain the on-going efforts to reposition the state.
He commended the Arik Air Chairman for his activities in the industrial sector which he noted have made him a reference point in the Aviation industry.
The Governor promised to ensure that all approvals and logistics needed for the smooth take-off of the power plant and Aviation Academy are provided.
Also, while receiving the Fugar Community who paid him a courtesy visit, Governor Oshiomhole disclosed that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has “offered to set up a fertiliser plant around Agenebode area where they can get water directly from the River Niger. Going by what he told me, it would be the largest plant in the country if not on the continent and it has potential to offer thousands of jobs” he noted.
The Governor who disclosed that the government has secured an inland port at Agenebode, Etsako East local government said the sea port would help to complement movement of raw materials and finished products.
He affirmed his resolve to open up the rural communities through the provision of infrastructure and commended the Fugar community for their self help efforts.
Peter Okhiria,
CPS to Edo State Governor,
Monday 21st June, 2010.
08023145286, 07030508268.
|
