Mosra Energy Limited, a coal mining company on Tuesday, inaugurated new mining equipment for Mosra Energy Idowu Falola Coal Mines and also commissioned a groundbreaking of 600MW mine-mouth coal power plants by Ramos Electric in the Ugboba community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The commissioning witnessed the presence of the honorable minister, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbeti; Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade; Representative of the Delta State governor, Hon. Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Agbadugba; DG MCO, Engr Obadiah Nkem; Director Mines Inspection, Engr. Ganiyu and the host traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Obi Ezedimba Nkebakwu 111, Obi of Ugboba; other traditional rulers, and members of the inter-community coal committee and environs.
Commissioning the new mining equipment and the 600mw power plant, the chairman and CEO of Mosra Energy Limited, Mr. Olukayode Ramos, said these projects represent a historic milestone in the company’s journey towards meeting the energy need and growing the Nigerian economy where power is not sufficient but affordable.
The CEO said when they embarked on the project, they were driven by the need to contribute their quota to the national development policy called Coal to Power program, adding that the Coal to Power program is a federal government initiative of encouraging the private sector to participate in the energy sector that targeted 30 percent electricity generation from coal in line with the Roadmap for Power Sector Reform and Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) for Nigeria.
According to the CEO, the new mining equipment will turbo-change the mining activities in Ugboba, adding that the new mining equipment is top-of-the-line with the latest technology and equipment that will enable the mining operations to remain efficient and safe.
Mr. Ramos stated that the groundbreaking 600MW power plant is another significant milestone for the company’s power strategy. In his words, “Our power situation needs urgent attention, and our power plant is a step in the right direction.”
Ramos further stated that the plant will provide a stable power supply to the local communities and significantly impact the country’s energy provision, by alleviating the suffering of millions of Nigerians who lack access to electricity.
He added that the establishment of the mine-mouth coal power plant will create employment opportunities for residents. According to him, the direct and indirect impacts on employment could be ten times direct employment, benefiting products and services such as food, clothing, catering, transport, communication, and housing.
He explained that the construction phase alone will create thousands of jobs for construction workers over a decade of construction of facilities and numerous jobs in allied services.
Explaining, he said, “Mosra Energy Limited has also engaged in several infrastructures and other CSR projects such as the ongoing construction of the Ukwu-uzu/Obomkpa/Ugboba 2.2 km road worth N1.3 billion, the completion of an Erosion control project worth N237 million, supply and distribution of laptops worth N7 million, construction of borehole worth N20 million, provision and installation of rechargeable solar lights worth N21 million and supply of motorcycle worth N940 thousands.”
“I pledged Mosra continued the commitment to driving Nigeria’s energy agenda through excellence and innovation. We thank everyone who made this possible. We thank you all for being part of this milestone achievement in our journey and look forward to celebrating many more successes together. Thank you all for gracing this occasion with your presence, and may we all see the fruit of our labor,” Mosra CEO said during the commissioning.
Also speaking is Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development who stated that Mosra Energy has by this sterling milestone set itself apart as a brand with a unique vision whose vision is home-grown, very indigenous, a factor she considers to be critical for the long term interests of the country in general and for the communities in particular.
She added that the event marks an important turning point for all the stakeholders, the community, and the company – Mosra Energy Limited, the State Government as host, and the Ministry of Mines and Steels as regulators of the sector.
According to her, each has a role to play in the success of the project which she says is complimentary and so they need to continuously collaborate for the success of the project.
The Permanent Secretary, therefore, congratulates the Chairman/CEO of Mosra Energy Limited, Mr. Olukayode Ramos, for the laudable project and also the management and staff for making the vision come alive despite daunting challenges. She urged all stakeholders; Community leaders, security agencies, and State and Local Government authorities to play their part to ensure that the project fulfills its purpose.
The Honorable Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbeti commended Mosra Energy Limited for its vision and the manifestation of its idea.
He stated that Mosra Energy Limited being the first coal power plant in Nigeria, has started the construction of 600 megawatts power plant and in a few years, the project will impact positively in the communities, the state, and the country.
He, therefore, urges the community and the company to foster unity and cooperation toward enhancing productivity for the betterment of the country.
In addition, the Honourable Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Agbadugba congratulated Mosra Energy Limited for their display of oneness by allowing the project to happen and also encouraged them to continue to maintain peace to enable the dividend of the project to triple down to their doorstep.
Giving the vote of thanks, His Royal Majesty, Obi Ezedimba Nkebakwu 111, Obi of Ugboba, appreciated Mosra Energy for keeping up with its commitments, while assuring them of the best cooperation from the community in terms of encouraging a cordial working relationship as the operations proceed.
Obi Nkebakwu 111 further applauded the people of Ugboba for their unalloyed patriotism and support to his rulership, while also acknowledging that the community had taken the best decision in the interest of the Energy development of Nigeria with the expectation of ripple advantages to the community.
