By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited on Thursday, held a strategic meeting with the Anambra State Ministry of Power led by Commissioner Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, to deepen collaboration with the state government and unveil a number of network expansion and power-related projects aimed at improving electricity supply across Anambra State.
The high-level meeting, which held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Awka, formed part of ongoing engagements between the electricity distribution company and the state government to identify priority intervention areas, strengthen the distribution network, and advance practical solutions for improved service delivery to electricity consumers across the state.
The FirstPower delegation, led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, comprised the company’s Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Dr. Emeka Egbujor; the Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Obi; the Head of Operations, Engr. Ifeoma Uba; and the Head of Technical, Engr. Okwudili Udechukwu.
Receiving the delegation were the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Casmir Agummadu; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Victor Ezekwo; the Technical Adviser to the Commissioner, Engr. Emeka Onuorah; Head of Projects, Engr. Fimber Ajegbu; and the Ministry’s Information Officer, Mrs. Azuka Offor.
Speaking during the meeting, Commissioner Agummadu reiterated the commitment of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration to transforming the power sector through sustained investments in electricity infrastructure and strategic partnerships with critical stakeholders.
He noted that while the state government appreciates the efforts made by FirstPower in improving electricity supply to communities across the state, it remains mindful of concerns expressed by some residents regarding service delivery, stressing that such concerns require collective efforts to address.
The Commissioner particularly commended the Managing Director of FirstPower for his commitment to customer satisfaction and his proactive approach to resolving operational challenges, describing the company’s recent interventions in different parts of the state as encouraging.
According to him, the state government is committed to doing everything within its powers to improve electricity supply, including facilitating the execution of critical power projects, clearing rights-of-way for transmission and distribution infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for investment in the sector.
Agummadu also urged residents to support ongoing efforts by protecting electricity installations and promptly reporting incidents of energy theft, vandalism and other acts capable of undermining service delivery, warning that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Responding, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, said the visit was a follow-up to earlier engagements with the Ministry on practical steps towards improving electricity supply across Anambra.
He explained that although the company remains committed to delivering quality service, its operations are sometimes constrained by supply limitation or facility limitation, hence the need for continuous infrastructure expansion and system reinforcement.
The MD disclosed that FirstPower has also been engaging prospective investors interested in embedded electricity generation and other strategic investments capable of boosting power availability and strengthening the state’s electricity network.
As part of its presentation, the company unveiled several proposed projects designed to expand network capacity, improve voltage stability and extend reliable electricity supply to more communities and commercial clusters across the state.
Among the projects highlighted were the construction of a 7.5MVA Injection Substation and 33KV line at Enugwu-Agidi; installation of a 7.5MVA 33/11KV Injection Substation at Awkuzu, alongside two 33KV line tee-offs; installation of a 7.5MVA transformer at the Federal College of Education, Technical, Umunze (Nsugbe project as presented); and another 7.5MVA injection substation at Ogboji to create a dedicated industrial feeder for the area.
Also featured in the discussions were the long-stalled 132kV electricity transmission line project in Umuogbo-Obiofia, Nnewichi; ongoing Umuchu 2x60MVA Transmission Substation project by TCN; plans to restore and stabilize electricity supply to the Anambra State Secretariat Complex and adjoining areas, where power infrastructure had previously been vandalised, among other key deliberations.
The team further reviewed other proposed network reinforcement projects expected to improve supply reliability, reduce technical losses, support industrial growth, attract investments and enhance the overall quality of electricity service across the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Victor Ezekwo, appreciated FirstPower for the visit and the cordial relationship between the company and the Ministry, while commending the noticeable improvements in electricity supply across the state despite prevailing sectoral challenges.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives and collaborations that would accelerate stable and sustainable power supply, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached and projects presented by FirstPower would enhance electricity distribution, boost economic activities, and advance the Soludo Administration’s vision of building a liveable and prosperous homeland.
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