BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River-Akwa Ibom zone has recorded a major breakthrough in addressing the challenge of inadequate public power supply through the invention of Overhead Water Tank Energy Supply System.
Chairman of Cross River/Akwa Ibom Chapter of MAN, Mr Akin Oyediran delivered the cheering news in Calabar, the Cross River State capital at their 2023 end of year Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The system is one where energy is extracted from flowing water in overhead tank that stores and supply water for every day use in apartments. Here, a micro hydro turbine is fitted in water pipe line to convert potential energy of water into electrical energy.
He said given that necessity is the mother of invention, manufacturers, under the auspices of MAN, decided to explore alternative means of power supply for their businesses.
According to Oyediran, in the process they were able to come up with this laudable initiative to tackle the huge challenges posed by the perennial hydra headed epileptic public power supply in the country.
The Chapter Chairman urged members to key into the new invention as a way out of their persistent headache in patronizing public power supply, which has not only crippled but also put so many privately driven businesses into extinction.
Mr Oyediran, who also identified multiple taxation in some states as another virus that has driven most of their members out of business, appealed to government at all levels to streamline their tax policies as it affects the manufacturing sector.
He said the sector deserves adequate incentives given its pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic rejuvenation by offering alternative employment opportunities to the people
Furthermore, Oyediran said the services offered by MAN as a critical and strategic partner in the economic growth and development of any nation should not be toyed with because no nation can survive economically without export.
The MAN Chapter boss equally tasked members not to be down cast with the trauma of the current economic situation in the country, stressing that as businessmen and women, they should be consoled by the fact that there is no harsh economic climate that last forever and Nigeria’s current experience will not be can by no means be an exception.
For him, MAN members, instead of displaying fear and distrust for the future due to the current harsh economic realities, should stay positive and focused on the old adage that “after rain comes sunshine”.
In her goodwill message, the Cross River Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs Abigail Duke assured MAN that the State government is ready to partner with the Association by creating an enabling environment that brings about the needed ambience for successful and robust economic growth.
Mrs Duke said the state is hugely blessed with abundant natural resources and a robust partnership with MAN would see Cross River benefitting from the expertise in that direction
On multiple taxation, the Commissioner said the State government is looking to address the issue in line with its “People First” policy.
