Gov. Darius Ishaka of Taraba says the support and cooperation of members of host communities will be instrumental to the successful completion of Mambilla hydro electricity project.
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Ishaku stated this during the inaugural sensitisation meeting on the Mambilla Hydro Electricity Power project on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by officials of the ministry of power, traditional rulers, commissioners from the state, Speaker and members of the Taraba House of Assembly, and other critical stakeholders.
Ishaku said that the project, a national dream for stable electricity power, had remained on the drawing board for over 40 years.
He added that the meeting was the beginning of the sensitisation phase and critical to the overall success of the project.
“The project is huge and will significantly alter the social, economic and cultural lives of members of the host communities.
“The support and cooperation of the people must be sought and secured from the onset through effective programme of sensitisation.
“I want to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his interest and commitment to the project.
“I urge him to write his name on the sands of history as the Nigerian leader who broke the over 40-year jinx on the project.
“However, all the gains and the benefits coming with the project should not be denied the people of Taraba state,” Ishaku said.
The Minister of Power, Mr Saleh Mamman, who is also an indigene of Taraba, advised that nothing must be allowed to hinder the smooth execution of the project.
Mamman thanked Ishaku for his role in helping to shape and facilitate the project while he was Minister of Power and now as governor of the state.
“A Project Delivery Committee on the Mambilla Project has been inaugurated as part of the ministry’s commitment,” said the minister.