–From Michael Ekokoruwe:
The Akpotu led Isoko Development Union has underscored the need for an alternative energy for the Isoko nation to midwife development in the area through Gas turbine, Independent Power Plants, Benin Electricity Distribution Company and urged Isoko to explore the cheaper alternative of harnessing the gas being flared by the oil exploring companies in Isoko land.
The president general of Isoko Nation, professor Christopher Akpotu who conveyed the meeting at the national secretariat of Isoko Development Union Oleh, Isoko South local government area, bemoaned the epileptic power supply to Isoko Nation, a situation he said has crippled businesses and the economic social life of the people in the area.
Akpotu said, efforts made to ensure steady power supply by Isoko people at home and in diaspora failed over time, adding that series of letters were written to oil companies operating in the area and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company and urged that a committee be constituted to profile immediate solution.
Speaking, the commissioner for energy of Delta state, Chief Fred Obey assured his support for any effort to ensure the achievement of regular power supply in Isoko land by tapping into the expertise of Isoko sons to harness the existing gas flaring in the oil companies by adopting a cheaper option.
Traditional rulers of Isoko Nation berated oil companies operating in the area for insensitivity to the plight of the people and urged the people to be focused on the demand for Isoko Turbine from Agip Nigeria Company and Shell Petroleum Development Company operating in the area.
The traditional rulers condemned the nunshalant attitude of the political gladiators who failed to attend meetings and kept distance from the people they represent.
They urged the president general to write a fresh later of demand and copy all the relevant agencies, stressing that, Isoko need light and the efforts must be sustained.
For his part, a consultant, engr. Michael Ekpo said, one of the challenge of Isoko Nation electricity is the location to the national grid. He noted that the clusters of Isoko Nation are not concentrated, unlike Okpai that has close clusters.
Ekpo said, power is expensive and noted that the request for power from oil companies should tally with the Gmou in various communities.
He however pledged to work with the committee to find possible solution to the epileptic power supply to Isoko Nation.
In attendance was
presidents general of Isoko Nation, clergymen, traditional rulers, high Chief Iduh Amadhe, Rev. Agbauduta and the youth wing of Isoko Development Union, amongst others.
