● Ayibatonye Okurumo
••• To Generate 200MW Electricity, 20 Tons Carbon Credit
The Rivers State Government has committed to advancing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in waste management to harness its economic benefits for the people of Rivers State. This was disclosed in a press release dated Friday, October 25, 2024, by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and made available to GMTNewsng.
Governor Fubara made the announcement following the official signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for a comprehensive $300 million Waste-to-Wealth initiative. This ambitious project includes a 200MW power plant, smart e-mobility solutions, a 20-ton capacity carbon capture and storage facility, among other innovations aimed at environmental sustainability.
The MoUs were signed with Intec and Omene Group of Companies, laying out plans to convert waste to wealth, generate electricity, boost employment, and expand the state’s revenue base. The signing took place at the Ministry of Justice in Port Harcourt on Thursday night, marking a milestone in the state’s economic transformation.
Speaking through the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, Governor Fubara highlighted the significance of the state’s first-ever Investment and Economic Summit held in May 2024. This summit, a pioneering event in Nigeria, led to the creation of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, established through an Executive Order to drive sustainable investments across the state.
“Today, we are proud to formalize this partnership between the Rivers State Government and Omene Nigeria Limited, which will see waste transformed into a resource, creating jobs and wealth for Rivers people,” the Governor stated.
“Waste management has long been a global challenge, and Rivers State is no exception. Our government has previously spent millions on waste collection without significant results, but this new initiative is a step forward,” he added.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the collaboration would proceed smoothly, projecting that Rivers State would become a trailblazer in modern waste-to-wealth projects within Nigeria. He emphasized the potential impact of the project in job creation, environmental cleanliness, economic growth, and daily generation of 200MW of electricity, along with the production of 20 tons of carbon credits to be traded as Carbon Credit.
Otumba Prince Franklin Omene, CEO of Omene Group, acknowledged Governor Fubara’s support and noted that the initiative would build on efforts by the Rivers State Waste Management Authority. “Our collaboration stems from the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit, where this vision was born. We are here to add value to existing efforts and to establish a globally recognized model of converting waste to wealth,” he stated.
The representative from the German-based Intec Group, Srinibach Dora Tepal, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government for fostering an investment-friendly environment. He explained that the project would come at no direct cost to the state, as Intec Group’s business model aims to deliver impactful, sustainable results at a rapid pace.
In addition, two external observers endorsed the state’s initiative. Dr. Chika Nwosu, an economist, lauded the Rivers State Government’s progressive approach, remarking, “This project is a testament to Governor Fubara’s forward-thinking leadership. Transforming waste management into a revenue-generating, job-creating endeavor sets a new benchmark for sustainable governance.”
Additionally, environmental analyst Nkechi Okafor commended the government’s strategic partnership, noting, “Rivers State’s vision for a cleaner, greener economy shows that Nigerian states can lead the way in leveraging technology for sustainable development. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also empowers the local workforce.”
The signing ceremony was also attended by Hon. Prince Obi Ohia, Acting Sole Administrator of RIWAMA, and Franklin Bottino of Intec Group, who joined others in celebrating this landmark event that promises to redefine waste management and economic potential in Rivers State. GMTNewsng