joshuaCoAS, Mainstream Energy perform groundbreaking for Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Airport in Kainji
Ayo Ola
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sani Hassan Bala and Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, (MESL) Col. Sani Bello (Retired), have performed the groundbreaking for Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Airport in Kainji, Niger State.
Other dignitaries at the event included: MESL’s Managing Director, Engr. Lamu Audu, and Alhaji Suleiman Sani Bello.
MESL is the operator of the Kainji, Jebba, and Zungeru hydropower plants.
The company in a statement on Wednesday described the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Airport as a significant project aimed at boosting commerce within Nigeria and enhancing international trade in the surrounding region.
It added that this strategic project is expected to stimulate economic activity and create job opportunities, contributing to national security by reducing unemployment.
The COAS, according to the statement, had before the ground breaking ceremony on his arrival at the Kainji Airforce base, been warmly received by a parade of officers.
It added that following the ceremonial welcome, he proceeded to the palace of the Emir of Borgu, Muhammed Haliru Dantoro.
During the visit, the Emir praised the importance of traditional institutions in fostering peace and harmony in the region.
He also commended Mainstream Energy Solutions for their exceptional management of the hydropower facility and their impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives carried out through the Mainstream Foundation.
The Emir highlighted how these initiatives have positively affected the local community and the region at large.
According to the statement, after the Emir’s palace visit, Air Marshal Bala headed to the Kainji hydropower Plant’s powerhouse, where he was welcomed by the Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions, Col. Sani Bello (Retired), along with members of the Board and Management team.
It added that the delegation presented the Air Chief with a documentary that showcased the company’s operational successes and the transformative projects undertaken by the Mainstream Foundation.
Air Marshal Bala expressed his admiration for the company’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR).
He said: “Regarding the Mainstream Foundation, I don’t think I have encountered a private company that has achieved so much in this area. You can see the impact in the lives of the people.
“I commend you for this outstanding act of corporate social responsibility.
Reflecting on his visit, Air Marshal Bala said: “Although I have been to Kainji countless times, this is my first time experiencing the Kainji hydropower plant up close. It has been a privilege and an excellent opportunity.
“The Hydropolis project, in particular, holds great potential for reducing insecurity in Nigeria by creating more job opportunities and stimulating economic growth.”
MESL in a statement said the CoAS’s visit at the Kainji Hydropower Plant was a strategic visit aimed to highlight the significance of the Kainji hydropower facility as a vital national asset and to underscore its contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth and energy security.
It concluded that the visit underscored the essential role of the Kainji hydropower plant in the nation’s energy.
