– As Chairman, Bede Opara Commends Gov’s Infrastructural Giant Strides, Passion For Available, Sustainable, Affordable Electricity
Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission on Wednesday March 5, 2025 organized its second Customers’ Forum that provided an opportunity for electricity consumers in the state to bring their complaints and the challenges they are having to the attention of the commission and other stakeholders in the industry. The Forum analyzes the complaints with a view to finding lasting solutions.
The Chairman of the Commission, Engr Bede Opara, while addressing newsmen shortly after the event said, “our mandate here is to create, market and regulate available, affordable and sustainable electricity that will, as a result of its effectiveness attract investors to the state. Every investor needs an enabling environment that will give him the confidence that his investment will be recouped if he abides by the rules. We are passionately committed to creating an environment that will encourage investors to key in into the vision of the amiable performing Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma (Onwa Oyoko) which is to generate and distribute quality, sustainable and affordable electricity that will enhance socio-economic development of the urban and rural communities in the state and also turn around the fortunes of the people. You will agree with me that electricity is pivotal to industrialization and technological development.”
Engr Opara, a seasoned technocrat and experienced manager of men and resources with zero tolerance for indolence further said, “we are also passionately committed to ensuring compliance with all pending complaints that had not been addressed, clear all backlogs and ensure quality service delivery in all ramifications”.
Responding to a question, the Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area born Engineer said, “for all these to be achieved there must be a framework or blueprint of action that provides an enabling environment and also ensures that all the parties involved, aside working in synergy, do the needful as and at when due to guarantee their success and happiness. It is therefore our mandate to create such an atmosphere that will engender mutual trust and confidence between the consumers and the investors, thereby facilitating the effective generation, distribution and marketing of electricity in Imo State for the good of all.”
“May I at this point emphatically say that all l have explained so far as our mandate is the Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma’s vision for Imo State and her people whose welfare and well being are of paramount importance to him. He is passionate about providing quality, sustainable, affordable and available electricity in all nooks and crannies of the state. This will make the rural communities more vibrant thereby reducing urban migration. Businesses will thrive optimally. Those doing business in the villages and towns will be able to employ more people thereby reducing unemployment. The artisans, including welders, hairdressers, barbers, tailors, restaurant and beer parlour operators etc will make more money that will enable them to hire more people because they will spend less on fuel, diesel and other logistics.
All these put together will enhance the socio-economic development of the state. The ripple effect will also reduce crime rate because youths engaged in meaningful activities through which they sustain themselves and get their means of livelihood will have little or no time to engage in illicit activities”.
“Again, for us as a regulatory commission to effectively deliver on our mandate, we need experienced and dedicated staff who are worth their onion. That was why, when we took over from the defunct National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) we recruited some of their staff including an ex-National Youth Service Corps member and some others to further strengthen what we have on ground because we want the Forum to effectively look into complaints in the state and resolve them.
Also responding to a question on the role of the Enugu Electricity Distribution company EEDC, Engr Opara, said, “they are supposed to register a subsidiary company that will also provide electricity in the state. But they are yet to be licensed because we are being meticulous in registering providers. Presently, they are working assiduously to get all the necessary documents together and tighten all loose ends. Meanwhile, we are still discussing with them about the need to do all they should, including cleaning all backlog of complaints, filling the metering gap by providing pre-paid meters for customers in the state, among other criteria. All these are aimed at ensuring that the new company will have a fresh start without encumbrances.”
Engr Opara, described by many as a man with unblemished track record also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for providing the commission with a befitting office accommodation and other necessary logistics that have made it possible for the management and staff of the commission to settle down comfortably for business.
“Our Governor is a compassionate man of impeccable character, who knows how to motivate and get the best from any determined team. He listens and proffers solutions to complex issues with precision where and when necessary. It is also very obvious that he wants the best for Imo people. That is why all well meaning Imo people at home and in the Diaspora should key into his vision by supporting his programs and policies for the best interest of our dear state”.
