For decades, Imo State has grappled with persistent power shortages that have stunted its growth and diminished the quality of life for its residents.
The long-awaited Egbema Power Station, once abandoned, now promises to deliver the uninterrupted electricity the state has yearned for—a prospect that brings renewed hope to the people of Imo.
This editorial underscores the urgent need for the state government to fulfill its promises, highlighting the critical role of the power station in transforming the state’s economic and social landscape.
The passage of the Electricity Law enabling Imo State to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity was a historic milestone, signaling a departure from over-reliance on federal infrastructure.
The Egbema Power Station, a 380MW gas power plant initiated under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company in 2006, has since been handed over to the state government.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s pledge to rehabilitate and operationalize the plant has raised public expectations of stable power supply across all 27 local government areas of the state.
Decades of dependence on an outdated 132KV transmission line from Alooji in Abia State have been a major bottleneck to Imo’s electricity needs. This inadequate infrastructure has hindered industrialization, reduced productivity, and left communities in perpetual darkness.
The ambitious plans of the Imo State government to modernize power systems, including expanding 132KV lines to key towns such as Orlu, Okigwe, and Mbaise, aim to decentralize electricity distribution and reduce pressure on existing facilities.
These efforts to overhaul the power sector include installing a 63MVA substation in Obinze, constructing a 60MVA substation in Okigwe, and upgrading other critical infrastructure.
These initiatives, alongside the Egbema Power Station, represent significant strides toward energy stability and are expected to dramatically improve electricity access for households, businesses, and public institutions.
Residents of the State have been assured that the Egbema Power Station will be operational soon, with a test run projected for July 2025.
If delivered on schedule, this project could mark a turning point for Imo State, offering 24-hour electricity and reducing reliance on expensive, polluting generators. It will bolster economic growth, attract investments, and enhance the quality of healthcare and education through uninterrupted power supply.
While the government’s efforts are commendable, the urgency to deliver on these promises cannot be overstated. Imolites have endured years of erratic power supply and its accompanying hardships.
The Egbema Power Station is not just a project; it is a symbol of hope for economic revival, social progress, and an improved standard of living.
Failure to actualize this project would not only betray the trust of Imo’s citizens but also squander a critical opportunity to position the state as a model for energy innovation in Nigeria. The government must act decisively and transparently, ensuring that this transformative initiative becomes a reality. The time for rhetoric is over- the lights must be turned on for Imolites.
