Michael Onwuka, Enugu
The gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general elections in Enugu State, Mr Frank Nweke (jnr.) says the ongoing gas flare at a construction site in Enugu offers opportunity to industrialise the state.
Nweke disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing newsmen after inspecting the site located within the premises of Caritas University, Amorji Nike in Enugu.
Recall that the gas flare started on May 25, 2022 when borehole drillers hired by the school authority unknowingly struck a gas bed which caused a major leakage of natural gas.
The fire had continued to rage uncontrollably, attracting visitors, including relevant state and Federal Government agencies from far and near.
Meanwhile, Nweke described the incident as a good development for the economic advancement of the state.
“I consider this a welcome development and it speaks to the wonderful endowment of natural resources in Enugu State,” he said.
The former information minister said that there were also gas deposits in Uzo-Uwani, Oji River, Eha Ndiagu and Eha Alumona.
“The state has significant oil and gas deposits and this has economic benefits for the state as we will start benefitting from the derivation funds like others.
“My administration will make assiduous efforts to ensure that these resources are tapped and the state recognised as oil and gas producing state,” he said.
According to Nweke, the discovery shows that the state now has another opportunity to talk about gas fire power plant, Liquified Petroleum Gas power plant and the production of fertilizer in the state.
“These are the raw materials you need for all of these things. I want to assure our people that help is on the way.
“I believe that APGA would clearly demonstrate that governance can be better and that our resources can be better managed,” he said.
Nweke said that APGA was ready to provide the type of leadership that had been elusive in the state in recent times.
