Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged the board and management of the South East Development Commission, SEDC, to prioritise power issues, stating that electricity is crucial to the economic development of the region.

Otti made this remark on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the SEDC. He emphasised that investment in power should be a key focus for the government, as no industrialisation or manufacturing sector can thrive without adequate electricity supply.

“You are the regional development body representing all of us. A major area that requires critical attention is power—electricity,” Otti said.

The governor revealed that discussions are ongoing with Interstate Electrics Limited for the Abia State Government to acquire their equity in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC. This, he explained, would enable the government to extend electricity to parts of the state not currently covered by Geometric Power.

Governor Otti also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of SEDC, stating that it would help create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.

Earlier, the chairman of the commission, Emeka Wogu, and the managing director, Mark Okoye, acknowledged the commitment of Governor Otti’s administration to the development of Abia State. They pledged SEDC’s support for his efforts, as well as the commission’s dedication to the reconstruction and reintegration of the South East into national development initiatives.

Poor electricity supply major challenge in South East – Otti tells SEDC