Ayade Set to Ensure 24-hr Power Supply in Calabar, Environs as Cross River Govt. Condoles With CBN, Victims of Gas Explosion
FeaturedNigeria March 22, 2016 Dianabasi Effiong
Gov. Ben Ayade
From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
Determined to ensure a 24-hour power supply in parts of the state, Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River State has signed a memorandum of undermining (MoU) with SkipperSeil Limited of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The signing of the MoU was the highlight of a three-day Middle East Electricity Exhibition which took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates recently, according to a statement made available to journalists in Calabar.
According to the MoU, SkipperSeil is to establish a solar farm to produce 100 megawatts of electricity for Cross River State.
The state government would provide “a bankable land as equity'” and make available $1 million US Dollars to kick-start the pilot scheme, while SkipperSeil is expected to invest $15 million in the project.
In line with the MoU, Cross River has a 30 per cent stake in the business, while the investors controls 70 percent holding.
Ayade signed the MoU on behalf of the state while Mr. Jitender Sachdeva, Group President of the firm signed on behalf of his firm.
He expressed the hope that apart from guaranteeing 24-hour electricity supply to Calabar and it’s environs, the project would also generate massive employment and boost internally generated revenue profile of Cross River.
Meanwhile, a survey team from SkipperSeil has arrived the state to identify suitable location for the project.
Meanwhile the Cross River Government says it is saddened by the gas explosion at the Central Bank of Nigeria on Friday and the casualties among the apex bank’s personnel and property.
It also condoled with families of victims and management of the bank over the incident.
Government’s concerns was conveyed Tuesday by Dr Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, the Senior Special Assistant, Communication and Branding, to Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River in an interview with our correspondent in Calabar.
Enamhe also urged non indigenes and residents of Cross River that the state government appreciates their contribution to the growth and positive development of the state.
He also appealed to residents of the state to appreciate the peaceful nature of the people of Cross River and live peacefully with one another in irrespective of challenges.
“This is your home, if your contribution is channelled towards destroying it, where will you reside or get a foothold stand to do business in peace,” Enamhe said.
Enamhe said that it was important that that savour people the beauty of Cross River by also spending their leisure period, holidays by visiting the state largely touted as the Africa’s premier tourists destination.
“Apart from the carnival period people can spend their Easter celebrations in the state instead of traveling abroad. Our people are, no doubt, very friendly and the leadership of the state encourages this. Cross River State is known for peace, zero tolerance for violence, tourists’ haven and destination. Gov. Ben Ayade’s administration is well disposed to the yearnings of young people in areas of employment,” he said..
Enamhe said that the state government meant well for communities traversed by the 260 kilometre Super highway by the state.
He urged people in the affected communities to understand, appreciate and support government’s good intention to open up the rural areas for commerce to thrive.
Enamhe said: “I believe the government’s signature projects will create new cities, means of employment, be a legacy and will enliven residence and good people of Cross River State.”
He also assured that the state government has a programme that would ensure the compensation of those who suffer economic losses due to the construction of the highway.
He said that the attitude of Ayade, who is from the PDP platform and maintains cordial relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari, was commendable.
Enamhe implored young people, the business community and residence of Cross River to be law abiding, show love and respect to all as well as the leadership of the state.
Dianabasi Effiong
