How Azura “Power to Change” is Driving Socio-Economic Development in Communities

In a renewed commitment to strengthen health access and improve infrastructural development in it’s host communities, Azura Power West Africa Limited through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm “Power to Change” is setting a shining example of service to humanity. Esther Oluku writes that the renovation of the Orior Primary Health center and construction of Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor and Idunmwowina access road valued at N1.66 billion is a testament to the company’s mission to improve on the social well-being of its host communities.

The importance of strategic collaboration and partnerships between the government and the private sector cannot be over emphasised. Such collaboration and partnerships can facilitate resources, expertise, and innovation that can result in the provision of critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities to bridge the gap between the urban and rural areas areas.

It is in demonstration of this shared commitment that Azura Power West Africa Limited (APWAL) took a significant step towards driving socio-economic development in its host communities – Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor and Idunmwowina – and adjoining communities, with the commissioning of two projects in Orior-Osemwende, Edo State recently.

The reconstructed Orior Primary Health Centre and the 1.1km Orior Community Road valued at N1.66 billion are testaments to the company’s commitment to improving the lives of its host community residents. Executed through Azura’s “Power to Change” (PTC) initiative – the company’s strategic Corporate & Social Responsibility vehicle – these two projects aims to address strategic needs within the host communities- to contribute to the healthcare ecosystem by expanding access to qualitative health services and for residents of the beneficiary communities

The reconstructed primary health centre is a game-changer for Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor, Idunmwowina, and adjoining communities. With modern facilities and skilled healthcare professionals, the centre will provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to the residents, significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, and ultimately promote healthier communities.

Similarly, the newly constructed 1.1km community road will also result in improved connectivity, eased movement, and enhance the overall quality of life for community dwellers. This infrastructure development will also boost local commerce, job creation, as well as stimulate economic growth and development across Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor, Idunmwowina, and adjoining communities.

Azura Power’s “Power to Change” initiative underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment in Nigerian communities evident in its investment in initiatives that tangibly impact the lives and well-being of Nigerians.

“For us at Azura Power West Africa Limited, the reconstructed Orior Primary Health Centre and the 1.1km Orior Community Road in Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor and Idunmwowina, connecting the adjoining communities 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,” Managing Director, Azura Power, Mr. Edu Okeke, enthused.

He highlighted that not only has Azura’s PTC initiative become a proof of how corporate entities can meaningfully contribute to the development of their host communities, but a model of responsible corporate citizenship, affirming the company’s long-term commitment to the socio-economic advancement of its host communities.

While commending the administration of Gov. Okpebholo for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, he stated: “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.’’

The successful execution of the projects attests to the significance of effective partnership and collaboration between Azura Power, the Edo State Government, and the host communities further amplifying the importance of synergy in driving development.

While performing the formal commissioning of the projects, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoeboh, commended Azura Power West Africa Limited for investing in the well-being of its host communities.

“This is not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a living example of corporate social responsibility in action— one that demonstrates what can be achieved when private enterprise work hand in hand for public purpose. Azura power has shown that they are not only committed to generating efficiency, but also to improving lives through infrastructure and healthcare.
“I commend Azura power for this valuable contribution; you have invested not only in concrete and steel but in well being, dignity and future of the people of this community. In a time when many companies see profit as the end goal, you have chosen a path of shared prosperity and social impact,’’ he said.

Gov. Okpebholo further stated: “This project aligns powerfully with Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s seven-point agenda, the renewed hope and the Edo State Government’s five-point development agenda, especially in the following ways: security and community development, healthcare advancement, infrastructural development and innovation, and natural resources and food security.”

He called on other corporate entities to emulate the gesture by Azura Power especially in supporting the state government’s rural development initiatives, education and human capital development. “While today’s project focuses on infrastructure and healthcare, they indirectly support education and human capital development by ensuring children and families have better access to schools and hospitals and create an enabling environment for learning and healthy living. Let this mark more than just the unveiling of infrastructure but the renewal of our collective commitment to service, sustainability and shared progress. Let it be said that here in Edo state government and industry stand together not just to build but to uplift,’’ the governor noted.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Azura Power, Nonye Obibuaku, who doubles as the Chairperson of Azura “Power to Change’’ (PTC) initiative, affirmed that social impact is a very important component of the company’s vision and mission, pointing out that social good was not just about giving back to the community but a partnership with the community for sustainable development.

“Without our community, we would not be able to generate the power and the electricity that we do. So, the projects are really testaments of the collaborative efforts between Azura, the Edo State Government, through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Tulsa Foundation. Our shared vision has been to create a sustainable solution that will address the needs of our host communities. You have seen the pictures of what we met at this facility. We had to tear it down and reconstruct because it was not good enough for our community,’’ she stated.

Obibuaku stated that the new health facility and road make access to 24 hours medical care possible for the residents of the beneficiary communities, adding that the newly-constructed health centre boasts of state-of-art equipment, medical and health care professionals, including a medical doctor and stable electricity supply, thereby significantly improving maternal health for pregnant mothers, newborns and children.

“Non-functional primary health care system has contributed to high maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria but today, we bring top quality health care to our host communities, so you will be able to come here, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to see a medical practitioner.

“The pregnant women and children will have access to very good medical care. We have modern facilities here. We have a doctor on duty and we also have skilled health care professionals. We are also commissioning the brand new 1.1km road that we have constructed to make it easier for everybody to access this Primary Healthcare Centre, ’ she stated.

For the residents of Orior-Osemwende, Ihovbor and Idunmwowina, and the adjoining communities, Wednesday, 28 May, 2025 was a historic and memorable day. Already, residents have started accessing improved healthcare services at the local health facility, as well as eased movement as a result of the upgraded road infrastructure. Cross section of community leaders and stakeholders have expressed gratitude to Azura Power for its investment in their development and growth. Few days prior to the formal commissioning of the health centre and the road, a successful operation procedure was carried out at the new facility resulting in the delivery of the first baby.

The Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, (EDSPHCDA), Mr. Sunday Osayande, in his goodwill message, expressed joy that the facilities would bolster access to improved and faster healthcare services for the residents in the beneficiary communities. He thanked the state government for creating an enabling environment that fosters development; commended Azura Power for its investment in community development, and the communities for their cooperation in ensuring the projects were successfully executed.

The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Idunmwowina community, Solomon Osareme, expressed appreciation to Azura Power for its numerous initiatives aimed at improving the well-being and quality of lives of the people living in rural communities, while praying for increased prosperity for the company.

With more residents availing themselves of the health facility and the road, it is anticipated that these projects will foster a community of healthier mothers, healthier babies and by extension, healthier communities.