Azura Power commissions two pivotal community projects in Orior-Osemwende, Edo State

Business Insider

3 days ago

In yet another significant commitment to the socio-economic development of its host communities, Azura Power West Africa Limited (APWAL) on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025 inaugurated two pivotal projects in Orior-Osemwende Community, Benin City, Edo State: the reconstructed Orior Primary Health Centre and the 1.1km Orior Community Road, thereby scaling up access to qualitative healthcare and improved connectivity for the residents of the community.
The two key projects executed through the "Power to Change" (PTC) initiative – the company's strategic Corporate & Social Responsibility vehicle – address the critical needs within the host community, the company stated.
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who performed the formal commissioning of the projects, commended Azura Power West Africa Limited for its investment in initiatives that tangibly impact the lives and well-being of Nigerians, emphasising the benefits of partnership and collaboration between the government and the private sector toward accelerating the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The governor stated that Azura Power's sustained commitment to making a real difference in the lives of the residents of the Orior-Osemwende community was exemplary and worthy of emulation for other businesses.
In his welcome speech, Managing Director, Azura Power West Africa Limited, Mr. Edu Okeke, disclosed that the two projects, culminating in a total cost of 1.66 billion Naira, were aimed to significantly enhance healthcare infrastructure by providing a modern and improved primary healthcare facility for the residents of its host communities - Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor and Idunmwowina – and adjoining communities, as well as improve community connectivity by delivering vital road infrastructure to facilitate movement, access, and overall quality of life.
'For us at Azura Power West Africa Limited, the reconstructed Orior Primary Health Centre and the 1.1km Orior Community Road in Orior-Osemwende community not only exemplify APWAL's continued dedication to our host communities but also highlight the tangible impact of the 'Power to Change' programme in fostering sustainable development and empowering lives at the grassroots level,'' he stated.
He said further that Azura Power's PTC programme was a positive example of how corporate entities can meaningfully contribute to the development of their host communities, showcasing a model of responsible corporate citizenship.
Okeke expressed deep gratitude to Governor Okpebholo-led administration for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and noted that the governor's commitment to improved security, road and general infrastructure across the state would go a long way in attracting more investors into Edo State.
'The reconstructed primary health centre will directly improve healthcare access and outcomes for the residents of Orior-Osemwende.
Similarly, the newly built community road will enhance connectivity, ease of movement, and overall quality of life for the community members, potentially impacting economic activities and social interactions.
If we take our modest contribution to community development as examples of incentives to attract more investors, the impact will be more when it is done on a large scale,'' Okeke affirmed.
He assured of Azura Power's long-term commitment to the socio-economic advancement of its host communities, stating, 'We will position the 'Power to Change' programme as a testament to this long-term vision of creating positive and lasting change, demonstrating that APWAL is a responsible and invested partner in the community's progress.''