Odu’a Group to partner S’West govts on power generation, distribution

• Plans to start oil exploration in Ondo State
• Oyebanji accuses firm of marginalising Ekiti State

The management of Odu’a Group of Companies, yesterday, said plans are underway to partner governments of the six South-West states on power generation and distribution.

Chairman of the company, Bimbo Ashiru, who gave the hint during a working visit to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in Ado-Ekiti, said that the decision followed the enactment of the electricity bill.

Ashiru said that Odu’a Group was willing to partner South-West governments to boost electricity supply to the region, and by extension, enhance commercial activities in the region.

The Odu’a Group boss, who spoke on the recently-acquired marginal field OML 95 in Ondo State, said it was in partnership with an oil exploration company for deeper and marginal exploration of oil to boost fuel supply in the country.

“Our focus is to be the engine room of businesses in the South-West. We are here to support Ekiti State. In the next three years, Odu’a Group’s presence will be felt here in Ekiti State,” he said.

Ashiru said that the group is looking for partners for its Airport Hotel in Ikeja and Premier Hotel in Ibadan. We want to bring back the vision of our fore-fathers,” he said.

Oyebanji expressed displeasure over the way the state was being treated among Odu’a Group member-states.
According to him, states as shareholders must be treated equally in the scheme of things, noting that there is a lot of favoritism in Odu’a Group.

“I will not agree that businesses can’t thrive in Ekiti State. Odu’a Group must drive businesses in the South-West. That is why we are supporting the Dawn Commission.

Look at the Odu’a Textile premises in Ado-Ekiti, which was abandoned for criminals to live in. If you don’t need it, we need the place,” the governor said.