The emergence of the Ossiomo Independent Power Plant could be best described as a dream-come-true as many could not comprehend its realisation and ultimate operation especially in a society where such feats are not easily conceived by leaders. This success story with others is a justifiable testimony that Governor Godwin Obaseki is not just a progressive leader but also a visionary leader.
Governor Obaseki is resolute in his resolve to light up Edo State, bearing in mind the cost and risk implications especially in the era where the world is vigorously campaigning on the reduction or elimination of substances that can pollute our environment. He is concerned about projects and programmes that will not be at variance with the environment or his agenda of Making Edo Great Again (MEGA).
A good example is the period he has painstakingly worked to realise the Ossiomo Independent Power Plant that would guarantee stable power supply to Government offices, the Secretariat buildings, the High Court Complex, among others. Next in line is the ongoing over 200km street light project, which will enhance beauty and security in the State.
On 29th December, 2021, the 40 MW (megawatts) Plant was launched to provide power to the Benin Industrial and Enterprise Park as well as some local communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the State. Among such communities is Ologbo which was disconnected from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) service line over four years ago. The electricity power supply to the Community will not only raise its status to a modern community, but also, will boost economic and commercial activities in the area. The Owena River Basin as well as Obayantor community were also connected to Ossiomo.
Beyond the viability of the project, it has several multiplier effects on the State, beginning from its status as a preferred destination for business with guaranteed power supply. The use of electricity as a source of power enables drastic reduction of industrial pollution which would have emanated from the use of fossil fuel from individuals alternative power generation.
As part of the coordinated efforts of making the State the preferred destination for doing business, the Governor has delineated an expanse of land to the tune of 997 hectares of land for mix-use development as the Benin Enterprise Park (BEP). All these are geared towards the realization of the Governor in positioning the State to become one of the top three most industrialised states in Nigeria come 2030.
It is therefore the opinion of this writer that Governor Obaseki is a unique leader who could best be described as an institution in his own right and appreciating his visions would better guide the people in their criticisms because his approaches to issues are not of common. They might be delayed but are always built to be sustainable and this is what we have lacked in a long time.