Commissioner Agummadu, First Power Deepen Partnership to Improve Electricity Supply in Anambra
By Azuka Offor
The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable electricity supply as the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, met with the management of First Power to strengthen collaboration on improving electricity distribution across the state.
The strategic meeting, held on July 16 in Awka, focused on assessing the current state of electricity infrastructure, identifying critical areas requiring intervention, and developing practical strategies to enhance power supply and service delivery to residents.
Speaking during the meeting, Engr. Agummadu said the engagement provided an opportunity for both the government and First Power to review the electricity distribution network and align efforts towards achieving a more efficient and sustainable power sector in Anambra State.
He commended the management of First Power for its commitment to improving electricity distribution despite existing infrastructural and operational challenges. The Commissioner also appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts by protecting electricity installations and reporting incidents of energy theft, illegal connections, and vandalism to the appropriate authorities.
According to him, the state government remains determined to ensure that individuals involved in sabotaging electricity infrastructure are prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that protecting public utilities is a collective responsibility.
The Managing Director of First Power, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, highlighted the company’s strategic plans to strengthen electricity infrastructure across the state. He disclosed that five major projects, including the construction of new injection substations and comprehensive network upgrades, are being implemented to improve electricity distribution and meet the growing energy needs of communities.
Okafor expressed optimism that the projects would significantly improve the reliability of electricity supply, boost commercial and industrial activities, attract investments, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mr. Victor Ezekwo, described the collaboration as a positive step towards achieving the state’s vision of sustainable and round the clock electricity supply. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that will strengthen the power sector and ensure long term energy security.
The Technical Adviser to the Commissioner, Engr. Emeka Onuorah, commended First Power for the noticeable improvements in electricity supply in recent months. He described the company’s performance as encouraging and urged it to sustain the momentum in delivering quality service to consumers across the state.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from First Power and the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, including the Head of Operations, Engr. Ifeoma Uba; Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Emeka Egbujor; Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Nnenna Obi; Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor; Head of Projects, Engr. O.T. Udechukwu; and Engr. Fimber Ajegbu of the Ministry.
The meeting concluded with further deliberations on strengthening the partnership between the state government and First Power, followed by a group photograph, underscoring their shared commitment to delivering improved and sustainable electricity supply for the people of Anambra State.
