Edo Gets N120bn Power Plant, Soon

Rockson Engineering is to establish an Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Ihonvhor Village, near Benin, at a cost of$800 million (approximately N120billion).

The company’s Managing Director, Mr Ikhide Arumemi-Johnson, announced this in Benin on Friday when he visited Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo.

He said that the IPP which would be executed in two phases, would be completed within 30 months.

Arumemi-Johnson said that the first phase of the project which would cost $300 million (some N45billion), would generate 500 megawatts of electricity, while the second phase, which would also generate 500 megawatts of electricity, would cost $500 million (about N75billion).

He said that the plant, when completed, would be the third largest IPP in the country, adding: “Edo State will get the lion’s share of energy generated, while the rest would be added to the national grid.”

Arumemi-Johnson, who is also the chairman of Arik Air, said that the airline had concluded arrangements to establish an Aviation Training Academy in Edo.

He said that the academy, which would cost about $500 million (about N75billion) would have Boeing and Airbus simulators.

Arumemi-Johnson stated that $500 million (about N22.5billion) would be spent on its buildings, while the remaining amount would be used for equipment and other facilities.

He said that Arik Air was the second largest in Africa after South Africa Airlines, adding that the airline would soon commence flights to Dubai and Paris.

Arumemi-Johnson commended Oshiomhole for his efforts aimed at developing the state’s infrastructure.

Responding, Oshiomhole gave an assurance that a Certificate of Occupancy for the site of the lPP project would be issued within seven days, while that of aviation academy would be granted within one month.

The governor commended Arumemi-Johnson for his efforts to improve people’s living standards through job creation.