OpeOluwani Akintayo
12 July 2018, Sweetcrude, Lagos — Qua Iboe Power Plant Limited, QIPPL, the promoter of the Qua Iboe Power Plant has signed an agreement with some communities in Akwa Ibom State on its proposed 567MW power project..
The project communities comprise Ibeno (where the power plant is located), Eket, Esit-Eket, Mkpat-Enin, Onna and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement, management of the company said execution of the 567MW agreement is a strategic move to proactively establish a positive relationship with neighbouring communities in Akwa Ibom State and collaborate with them to identify and develop sustainable programme for accelerated socio-economic development in the communities.
Signing of the agreement was witnessed by governor of Akwa Ibom, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Secretary to the Government, Elder (Engr.) Ufot Ebong, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Matters and Due Process, and other top government officials of the state, including representatives of the communities.
Part of the agreement was also aimed at fostering hitch free operations and promotion of orderliness in the area to allow a conducive investment/work environment at all times through the construction to completion of the power plant project and during operation of the plant.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer, Black Rhino Group, Mr. Brian Herlihy, commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his support to assure that the project comes on stream and commence construction before the end of 2018.
He stated that the company was investing 1.1 billion dollars in the QIPP project adding that over 12,000 people from Akwa Ibom would be employed during the construction of the project.
Brian hinted that aside investing $1.1billion, ExxonMobil will invest another 500million dollars for gas.
In his address, Governor Udom Emmanuel applauded QIPPL for its commitment in investing $1.1billion in the power plant and an additional $500million for gas, adding that the signing of the MOU is one of the solution to the country’s gas challenges.
He assured the company of his government’s support and commitment to the realisation of the goal, saying, “I am always glad to be associated with something that will drive employment, provide the bases for industrialization and I think the QIPP is just one of them”.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of the projects host communities, Chief Okut Inyang Etim Inyang for Ukpenekang, Ibeno Local Government Area and Pastor Bassey William Umoh, representing Eket local government area expressed appreciation for the QIPP project stressing that the coming of the project will change the fortunes of their people.