School Pavilion

Keep it coming, that's the forest reserve planted by late Prof. Akachukwu.

Cjrane2:


Gov. Okezie should adopt what Chime did in Enugu and get Arab contractors to redesign and reconstruct all the Major roads in Aba with good drainage facilities compulsorily on both sides of every road.The holistic approach is better than piecemeal awarding of each road. They should support the Arab contractors work with the state demolition team to pull down illegal structures along the way.

Seen! I think this is the best suggestion I've come across on this forum. I will tender it to see if the governor can adopt this approach but you know there Aba Urban Renewal agency on ground and not every manager enjoys interference when assigned to accomplish a task. Anyway,its a suggestion so Let's see how it goes

Any news concerning obuaku river port and industrial city ? I hope okezie would not abandon it ? he should also follow up with the MoU with Honeywell and other industries

Ponponkon:
Seen! I think this is the best suggestion I've come across on this forum. I will tender it to see if the governor can adopt this approach but you know there Aba Urban Renewal agency on ground and not every manager enjoys interference when assigned to accomplish a task. Anyway,its a suggestion so Let's see how it goes

New owners to inject N15bn in Geometric Power
1
By Our Reporter on July 10, 2015 Business

…As AMCON, banks sign new TIA

By BLAISE UDUNZE

Geometric Power, owners of Aba Integrated Power Project (IPP), has entered into a new Transaction Implementation Agreement (TIA) with its creditors.

The creditors include Diamond Bank Plc, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, pursuant to which Afrigem Integrated Utilities Limited becomes a core investor in the integrated electricity power project.

Afrigem, a West African focused development and investment company with a 720MW pipeline of energy solutions project in the region, is expected to inject N15 billion into the project, making Geometric Power one of the most capitalised private sector driven power companies in the sub-region.

Nigeria’s first indigenous fully integrated green-field electricity project, the Aba IPP is scheduled for commissioning in November. The agreement signing ceremony, which was hosted by Diamond Bank Plc shows details of the investment of Afrigem in the Aba IPP operating companies, the milestones for the restructuring of the existing debt stock of Geometric Power’s project companies, recapitalisation and also, the restructuring of the company.

These are expected to help fast track the commissioning of the plant to take off in November and start the generation and distribution of electricity power to residents of Aba metropolis.

In its three-year growth plan, the sponsors and Afrigem expect to increase the plant capacity from 141MW to 341MW by 2018.

According to the parties, the capital restructuring agreement will also ensure that the project companies, Geometric Power Aba Limited and APL Electric Limited, have the required capital to deliver reliable power.

According to the details made available to Daily Sun, it will also bring on board the expertise of Afrigem’s team in the operations and management of the Aba IPP while the new capital will be applied towards the commissioning of the project and part payment to creditors with enough left to run the company.

Chairman of Geometric Power Limited, Prof. Bart Nnaji, led the signing on behalf of the project sponsors while Mallam Samaila Zubairu, Vice Chairman of Afrigem, led the signing on behalf of Afrigem Integrated Utilities Limited at the ceremony attended by energy consultants, top bank executives and representatives of the various professional parties.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, Caroline Anyanwu, stated that the new agreement signals a huge economic leap in the generation and distribution of electricity energy in Nigeria.

According to her, Diamond Bank is very passionate about the project because of the economic ripple effect that uninterrupted electricity power supply would bring to the numerous Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operators in Abia State and the country generally.

“I believe that the immense benefits that this new implementation agreement will bring will make Nigeria a better place especially as it will help boost economic production when the power plant starts generating power soon. We commend Geometric Power, Stanbic IBTC and others that have made this to work today. We also commend AMCON for helping to bear the burden when it was very heavy for us but the coming of Afrigem into this integrated project is a good one for all of us and for Nigeria.”

Prof. Nnaji expressed delight at the new development, while stating that Aba IPP remains the first green-field integrated power project developed by a private indigenous consortium which, upon commissioning, will deliver quality reliable 24-hour electricity supply to industries, commercial enterprises, residents of Aba metropolis and bring huge economic revival in the country.

He said, “I would like to applaud everyone who helped to see this come to pass today. We are very happy that this project is on and with this we will bring power to the people of Aba and we hope to see the economic revival that this provision will bring to Nigeria.”

Samaila emphasised the bankability of the project model as the template for growing capacity of reliable power supply, which will accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth, create jobs and unleash the creative energy of Nigerian youths.

According to him, “the integrated power model is the most productive model that will help Nigeria work; we believe it is the foundation for lighting up Nigeria.”

Head, Strategic Accounts of AMCON, Kamila Omokide, stated that the entry of the new investor marks a “beginning of greatness for the project and for Nigeria,” pointing out that the only panacea to Nigeria’s low production capacity is to allow the private sector to be the major drivers of the economy.

“We greatly believe that the private sector should be the engine of production and investment in this country. Until this is done, we may not be able to realise the productive strength and potential of Nigeria,” Omokide added.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/new-owners-to-inject-n15bn-in-geometric-power/

The Rise of ABA, 24 hrs Power, More Power to Nnaji

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) have both validated the rights of `Geometric Power Aba Limited, to generate, transmit and distribute power to and within the Aba and Ariaria districts in Abia State.

This is coming amidst an unrelenting ploy by another firm, Interstate Electrics, to ensure that Geometric is shut out of the area in which it has already invested over $500 million (five hundred million dollars) in building a 200 megawatts power plan

http://businessdayonline.com/2015/07/nerc-bpe-validate-rights-of-geometric-over-aba-disco/#.Va6YyVOTM1J

donguutti:
The Rise of ABA, 24 hrs Power, More Power to Nnaji

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) have both validated the rights of `Geometric Power Aba Limited, to generate, transmit and distribute power to and within the Aba and Ariaria districts in Abia State.

This is coming amidst an unrelenting ploy by another firm, Interstate Electrics, to ensure that Geometric is shut out of the area in which it has already invested over $500 million (five hundred million dollars) in building a 200 megawatts power plan

http://businessdayonline.com/2015/07/nerc-bpe-validate-rights-of-geometric-over-aba-disco/#.Va6YyVOTM1J

good...emeka offor and interstate should go and sit down since sambo is no longer there..to think they even trying to sabotage recent deal geometric signed with afrigem...i henceforth apologise for the earlier notion I had about controversy....donguuti can you please create a thread out of this?.abagoro I see you can you create a thread out of this?

asha80:
good...emeka offor and interstate should go and sit down since sambo is no longer there..to think they even trying to sabotage recent deal geometric signed with afrigem...i henceforth apologise for the earlier notion I had about controversy....donguuti can you please create a thread out of this?.abagoro I see you can you create a thread out of this?

Its more useful here. At least I have been vindicated with regards to Jonathan's misrule.

http://www.thedaily-ng.com/?p=150

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/nnaji-takes-geometric-power-case-to-president-buhari/

Geometric Power
petitions Buhari over
ill-treatment of past
administration

Consequently, Buhari may intervene to enable the idle geometric
power plant in Aba, Abia State become operational this year.
The expected action is based on the determination of the present
administration to boost power generation, transmission and
distribution in the country.
Already, Nnaji, the former Nigerian Minister of Power, has
approached the Buhari government to intervene in its challenge of
access to its concession area.

abagoro:


Its more useful here. At least I have been vindicated with regards to Jonathan's misrule.

http://www.thedaily-ng.com/?p=150

http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/nnaji-takes-geometric-power-case-to-president-buhari/

Geometric Power
petitions Buhari over
ill-treatment of past
administration

Consequently, Buhari may intervene to enable the idle geometric
power plant in Aba, Abia State become operational this year.
The expected action is based on the determination of the present
administration to boost power generation, transmission and
distribution in the country.
Already, Nnaji, the former Nigerian Minister of Power, has
approached the Buhari government to intervene in its challenge of
access to its concession area.

to even think that all along nerc and bpe were aware of the condoning off of aba and ariaria district but could not do anything because Emeka offor and sambo were buddies makes it more sickening..now with sambo out of the way nerc and bpe have started coming out to say geometric signed an agreement with fg in 2005 for that aba\ariaria district...if Emeka offor knows what is best for him it is to back out of this fight and concentrate on other eedc jurisdiction because the more he tries to fight the more he attracts unnecessary attention to the whole sordid deal which might in turn affect him

http://www.today.ng/news/abia-house-of-assembly-approves-gov-ikpeazus-request-to-borrow-n30billion/

And the beat goes on

asha80:
to even think that all along nerc and bpe were aware of the condoning off of aba and ariaria district but could not do anything because Emeka offor and sambo were buddies makes it more sickening..now with sambo out of the way nerc and bpe have started coming out to say geometric signed an agreement with fg in 2005 for that aba\ariaria district...if Emeka offor knows what is best for him it is to back out of this fight and concentrate on other eedc jurisdiction because the more he tries to fight the more he attracts unnecessary attention to the whole sordid deal which might in turn affect him

Again jonathan looked the other way while this happened, some times I can't help but ask that God's will be done.

kettykin:


Again jonathan looked the other way while this happened, some times I can't help but ask that God's will be done.

and what is gods will in this case?

asha80:
and what is gods will in this case?

I actually God's will during the elections.

asha80:
http://www.today.ng/news/abia-house-of-assembly-approves-gov-ikpeazus-request-to-borrow-n30billion/

And the beat goes on

If he will use it judiciously for infrastructural development then no qualms. But what is it with Governors and 30billion? Like Wike like Ikpeazu.

abagoro:


If he will use it judiciously for infrastructural development then no qualms. But what is it with Governors and 30billion? Like Wike like Ikpeazu.

we need abia state to be rebuild especially aba....... If borrowing is the only option to do that, no problem

abagoro:


If he will use it judiciously for infrastructural development then no qualms. But what is it with Governors and 30billion? Like Wike like Ikpeazu.

I really have a problem with governors borrowing money especially this type of amt being peddled here...only if the money goes to strictly capital projects and the projects strictly monitored...by the way the was a 200m dollars grant recently to abia by adb bank

Glimmer of hope for forgotten Enyimba Hotel
0
By Our Reporter on July 22, 2015 Oriental News

…As state govt gives illegal occupiers quit notice

From OKEY SAMPSON, Aba

Are you looking for a place where human beings struggle with rodents for accommodation? If so, travel to Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State and take a ride to the abandoned Enyimba Hotel located by the side of the Aba River, a few metres from the city’s main motor park.

For those who may not know, Enyimba Hotel was built by the late Dr Sam Mbakwe administration over 30 years ago, the foundation stone haven been laid shortly before that of Concord Hotel, Owerri.

While Concord, a three-star hotel like Enyimba Hotel is still bubbling with activities year in year out, churning out revenue for the Imo State government, Enyimba Hotel is standing as a wasted edifice and free abode for policemen and rodents.

Despite the fact that some policemen and members of their families reside inside the abandoned hotel, grasses and weeds have taken over the expansive compound housing the six-storey three-star hotel.

Added to this development is that fact that relations of the policemen leaving inside the hotel have also converted the compound into car parks, kiosks and shops.

To be precise, Enyimba Hotel’s foundation stone was laid by Dr Mbakwe in 1979 before the administration was booted out by the General Muhammadu Buhari-led military junta in 1983, and then the main building had been completed but without furniture and fittings.

But this gigantic edifice that could have added to the aesthetics of the Enyimba City, as well as boost the internally generated revenue of the state has been lying fallow, and serving as a hideout for Indian hemp smokers before mobile policemen affected by inadequate accommodation illegally took over the premises.

A visit to the expansive compound lying beside the waterside river showed that the adjoining buildings which appeared to be the staff quarters were yet to be completed, while its surroundings had been taken over by overgrown weeds and thick bushes.

Speaking to Oriental News, a resident of an adjoining street to the hotel, Mr Azubuike Nweze, who claimed to have witnessed the foundation stone laying ceremony of the edifice, lamented that the hotel which he said would have been a major revenue earner for the government, as well as a source of employment and relaxation to the people of the city has been allowed to lie waste.

While commending Mbakwe for his vision in siting industries and hotels across the old Imo State which now comprises Abia, Imo and the Afikpo bloc in Ebonyi State, he, however, expressed some reservations that Enyimba Hotel was abandoned in preference to the completion of Concord Hotel in Owerri.

His words: “It is unfortunate that Enyimba Hotel has been abandoned by successive governments after being also abandoned by the Mbakwe administration in preference to the completion of the Concord Hotel in Owerri, Imo State.

“It was built by Governor Sam Mbakwe, but it is regrettable succeeding administrations have not found it worthy to complete the hotel which would be a major revenue earner for the state. Look at the scenery situation beside the Ogbor Hill River, it can serve as a tourist centre attraction and you know what that means. Governor Sam Mbakwe’s vision of siting industries across the then old Imo State is commendable. He laid the foundation stone of Enyimba Hotel which was started before Concord Hotel in Owerri, but he completed Concord Hotel. The Abia State government should make haste to complete the abandoned hotel.”

It was in the midst of the abandonment of such edifice that some policemen who were hit by accommodation problem converted the hotel to their quarters and due to the unkempt nature of the place, rodents also found some spaces in the hotel, co-habiting and finding the police as their good ‘friends’.

However, this co-habitation has got an expiring date as the current government in Abia has given the ‘occupiers’ of the hotel quit notice.

In a statement released in Umuahia, the government said it was giving those living in the hotel two weeks to quit or they would be forcefully evicted.

The government’s action it was gathered was to re-acquire the hotel, rehabilitate and put it into proper use.

Residents have applauded the government’s move, describing it as the right step in the right direction.

They contended that since the hotel was among the projects to which the Mbakwe administration borrowed substantially to build and to which successive governments in the state laboured to pay back, that everything possible should be done to ensure that the hotel comes on stream for the state to recoup the money it spent in building it and then serve as a source of avenue for IGR for the state.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/glimmer-of-hope-for-forgotten-enyimba-hotel/

RareDiamond:

Glimmer of hope for forgotten Enyimba Hotel
0
By Our Reporter on July 22, 2015 Oriental News

…As state govt gives illegal occupiers quit notice

From OKEY SAMPSON, Aba

Are you looking for a place where human beings struggle with rodents for accommodation? If so, travel to Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State and take a ride to the abandoned Enyimba Hotel located by the side of the Aba River, a few metres from the city’s main motor park.

For those who may not know, Enyimba Hotel was built by the late Dr Sam Mbakwe administration over 30 years ago, the foundation stone haven been laid shortly before that of Concord Hotel, Owerri.

While Concord, a three-star hotel like Enyimba Hotel is still bubbling with activities year in year out, churning out revenue for the Imo State government, Enyimba Hotel is standing as a wasted edifice and free abode for policemen and rodents.

Despite the fact that some policemen and members of their families reside inside the abandoned hotel, grasses and weeds have taken over the expansive compound housing the six-storey three-star hotel.

Added to this development is that fact that relations of the policemen leaving inside the hotel have also converted the compound into car parks, kiosks and shops.

To be precise, Enyimba Hotel’s foundation stone was laid by Dr Mbakwe in 1979 before the administration was booted out by the General Muhammadu Buhari-led military junta in 1983, and then the main building had been completed but without furniture and fittings.

But this gigantic edifice that could have added to the aesthetics of the Enyimba City, as well as boost the internally generated revenue of the state has been lying fallow, and serving as a hideout for Indian hemp smokers before mobile policemen affected by inadequate accommodation illegally took over the premises.

A visit to the expansive compound lying beside the waterside river showed that the adjoining buildings which appeared to be the staff quarters were yet to be completed, while its surroundings had been taken over by overgrown weeds and thick bushes.

Speaking to Oriental News, a resident of an adjoining street to the hotel, Mr Azubuike Nweze, who claimed to have witnessed the foundation stone laying ceremony of the edifice, lamented that the hotel which he said would have been a major revenue earner for the government, as well as a source of employment and relaxation to the people of the city has been allowed to lie waste.

While commending Mbakwe for his vision in siting industries and hotels across the old Imo State which now comprises Abia, Imo and the Afikpo bloc in Ebonyi State, he, however, expressed some reservations that Enyimba Hotel was abandoned in preference to the completion of Concord Hotel in Owerri.

His words: “It is unfortunate that Enyimba Hotel has been abandoned by successive governments after being also abandoned by the Mbakwe administration in preference to the completion of the Concord Hotel in Owerri, Imo State.

“It was built by Governor Sam Mbakwe, but it is regrettable succeeding administrations have not found it worthy to complete the hotel which would be a major revenue earner for the state. Look at the scenery situation beside the Ogbor Hill River, it can serve as a tourist centre attraction and you know what that means. Governor Sam Mbakwe’s vision of siting industries across the then old Imo State is commendable. He laid the foundation stone of Enyimba Hotel which was started before Concord Hotel in Owerri, but he completed Concord Hotel. The Abia State government should make haste to complete the abandoned hotel.”

It was in the midst of the abandonment of such edifice that some policemen who were hit by accommodation problem converted the hotel to their quarters and due to the unkempt nature of the place, rodents also found some spaces in the hotel, co-habiting and finding the police as their good ‘friends’.

However, this co-habitation has got an expiring date as the current government in Abia has given the ‘occupiers’ of the hotel quit notice.

In a statement released in Umuahia, the government said it was giving those living in the hotel two weeks to quit or they would be forcefully evicted.

The government’s action it was gathered was to re-acquire the hotel, rehabilitate and put it into proper use.

Residents have applauded the government’s move, describing it as the right step in the right direction.

They contended that since the hotel was among the projects to which the Mbakwe administration borrowed substantially to build and to which successive governments in the state laboured to pay back, that everything possible should be done to ensure that the hotel comes on stream for the state to recoup the money it spent in building it and then serve as a source of avenue for IGR for the state.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/glimmer-of-hope-for-forgotten-enyimba-hotel/

if abia state government decides to rehabilitate and make the hotel functional they must bring professionals to run it and nit govt running it

If only Sam Mbakwe continued as governor, Old IMO state would have been so developed now.

Same as Michael Okpara in Old Eastern Region.

Please guys what's the latest info on Abia State election tribunal as regards the petition filed by Alex Otti. The tribunal was meant to begin hearing on the case on 13th of this month or so.

abagoro:


If he will use it judiciously for infrastructural development then no qualms. But what is it with Governors and 30billion? Like Wike like Ikpeazu.

by the way there was an earlier 200m dollar facility granted by afd bank to abia state early this month

What's happening, why is this thread not moving again?

Few pics from Umuahia

Ikwuano Lga

And this also @ the back of Fed High Court wia Ikpeazu and Otti is tribunalizing

International conference centre, umuahia

Try to read this.

Interior of the conference centre.

Thanks for updating this thread, I'll post some old pix from my file.

i know abia state is a blessed state in southeast and nigeria..
That s why her IGR keep rising everyday,
Despite 8years of clueless T.A orji negligence in abia state..
But thank God for the new governor of abia state,ikpeazu.things will definitely change this time.

I miss those artist frm abia state,eg nigga raw.ruffcoins,and ruggedman.

It s well, God still owned the state..

asha80:
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/nerc-waits-on-buhari-to-end-geometric-s-lease-dispute/215747/

can't wait for this issue to be rectified, its going to bring economic buoyancy to the state.