Economic Group flays EEDC’s underperformance among DisCos
A group under aegis of Ideato Economic Association (IDEAS) regretted the underperformance of Enugu Electricity Distribution company (EEDC), attributing power as the much needed factor to engender growth and development of Ideato nation.
The group made the remark through one of the Speakers, Prince Nixon Okwara during the group’s annual general meeting in Urualla headquarters, of Ideato North local government area of Imo State.
The group regretted how the two local government areas of Ideato Nation have been kept in darkness following promises of a haven by the former government of their son, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
His words: “Among all the DISCO’s in Nigeria, the EEDC that got the concession for the SouthEast is the Lowest performer in Nigeria. It has a focus in Rural areas based on estimated bills thereby serving as its cash cow. Communities are made to pay for energy that they did not use”.
Okwara suggested a partnership with the State Government to checkmate the excesses of the power distribution company so as to help small scale businesses grow and thrive.
The group also adopted to purchase hectares of land where they can set up a Secretariat and entrepreneural and skill acquisition centre even as Chief Chidi Chiege harped on the need to invest massively in capacity building so as to equip the younger generations with the needed knowledge to succeed in the modern business world.
In his contribution, Prof. Sab Ngah suggested that IDEAS should seek partnership with other relevant organisations by Ideato Sons so as to have a unified and cohere master plan to rebuild the industrial base of Ideato Nation.
On the contrary, Chief Darlington Udoye reacting to Prof. Ngah’s call for partnership, urged for caution saying that IDEAS doors should be open to those who are ready to abide by the constitution & RULES of the Association.
He argued that IDEAS must attain it’s first line goals before seeking such partnership so as to avoid distractions since it is a project that boarders on Economic development.
Mr. Ohuche Ikechukwu moved for annual Ideato Nation Trade Fair organisation, saying that the industrial spirit of Ideato people must be reinvigorated so as to depend less on government in the development of the nation.
Speaking to newsmen on the background of the formation of Ideato Economic Association, he said: “Coming into being of IDEAS is of great importance because of the continual dwindling of the enterprises and industrialisation of Ideato Nation. Our place is known for their industry but today those economic activities are winding up. Our people through a din’t of hardwork were able to build enviable Industrial Clusters. That is why we agreed among ourselves to salvage the situation and come out with a blueprint on how to reverse the present trend of economic downturn.”
It will be recalled that under their son’s administration, Chief Ethelbert Okorocha, all the electrifications project in Ideato Nation were hoisted down for road expansion. And till his exit as Governor of Imo State, he neither restored electricity he destroyed nor fix the roads, thereby skyrocketing dearth of doing business in their communities.
Earlier in the meeting, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Nnorom during his opening address gave a run down on the ideals that culminated in the registration of Ideato Economic Association.
He explained that the idea is to bridge the gap in the lack of synergy amongst enterprising brethren to think homewards & urbanize Ideato Nation by adopting Nnewi model.
He added that part of the strategy is to attract Development partners, bringing about ICT revolution, galvanizing collective effort & chatter Ideato Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines & Agriculture (IDECCIMA) as the thrust of of its Industrial revolution.
Interacting with newsmen, the BOT Secretary, Hon. Emeka S. I . Ajih further revealed that the key note Speaker, Dr. Maxwell Ùgwù an Ideato son made a mind-searching presentation reiterating that Enterprise is on the DNA of Ideato people. He went further to reel out facts about Ideato and outlined the Vision, Mission Statement and goals of IDEAS step by step for a greater Ideato Nation of the 21st Century.