Colonel Bello, Chairman of Mainstream Energy, and Air Marshal Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff, are spearheading the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Airport in Kainji
… CoAS honours Mainstream Energy with plaque for pivotal role in national industrial growth, energy security
By Tuesday Olokode
Colonel Sani Bello (Retired), Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), alongside Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Airport in Kainji, New Bussa. This initiative is anticipated to significantly enhance the economic and logistical framework of the area, establishing Niger State as a central point for trade and investment opportunities.
The occasion, which saw the participation of notable individuals including Engr. Lamu Audu, the Managing Director of MESL, and Alhaji Suleiman Sani Bello, represented a crucial advancement in the development of the region.
Energyday reported that the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Airport is designed to improve international trade, draw in both global and local investors, and generate new employment opportunities, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing connectivity within the region.
During the ceremony, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the project’s critical significance for national security and economic stability.
“The development of this airport not only promotes economic activities but also plays a crucial role in enhancing national security and ensuring regional stability,” he said.
Col. Sani Bello praised the initiative, highlighting the potential synergy between the airport and the Kainji Hydro Power Plant.
“This project will complement our operations at Kainji and significantly drive economic activities across Niger State,” Bello stated.
He further noted that the Hydropolis Free Trade Zone Airport is part of a broader vision to establish Kainji as a key economic hub, fostering industrialization and trade.
Air Marshal Abubakar also visited the Kainji Hydropower Plant, operated by Mainstream Energy Solutions, which oversees the Kainji, Jebba, and Zungeru plants, before proceeding to the palace of the Emir of Borgu.
The Emir commended MESL for its excellent management of the Kainji plant and its impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives through the Mainstream Foundation, which have benefited the local community.
At the hydropower plant, Air Marshal Abubakar was received by Col. Sani Bello and the MESL management team, who presented a documentary showcasing the company’s operational successes and CSR projects.
“I have never encountered a private company so dedicated to corporate social responsibility. The impact on local lives is remarkable,” Air Marshal Abubakar remarked.
Reflecting on the visit, Air Marshal Abubakar expressed optimism about the Hydropolis project, stating, “This initiative holds great potential for reducing insecurity by creating more job opportunities and driving economic growth.”
