By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, over the weekend, held a strategic engagement meeting with vehicle vendors and service partners aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, improving service delivery, and deepening collaboration between the company and its transport partners.
The meeting, which held at the company’s headquarters in Awka, brought together the Management team of FirstPower and representatives of various vehicle vendors working with the company across its operational areas.
Speaking during the session, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, emphasized the critical role transport and logistics play in the company’s operations, further urging the vendors to prioritize quality service delivery, professionalism, responsiveness, and operational efficiency in their partnership with the company.
The MD stressed the need for quicker response to operational concerns, while also encouraging the vendors to continually improve their support structures in line with the company’s evolving operational standards and transformation agenda.
He also highlighted the importance of technology and accountability in modern operations, particularly emphasizing the benefits of installing tracking systems in operational vehicles to enhance monitoring, efficiency, security, and service coordination.
Speaking further, the Head of Administration, Mrs. Ifeoma Ikemefuna, outlined some of the company’s minimum operational expectations and compliance standards for vendors, particularly in the areas of operational support, vehicle maintenance, safety, professionalism, and service reliability.
Reacting during the interactive session, some of the vendors and their representatives commended the Management of FirstPower for the engagement with partners and for the noticeable transformation currently taking place within the company’s operations and work environment, further calling for sustenance.
In their separate remarks, the MD/CEO of Memose int. Ltd, Dr. Emeka Ariguzo; the Regional Manager of Coscharis Mobility Ltd , Engr. Chinedum Stephen; Fleet Executive, C. & I. Leasing Plc., Mr. Chijioke Ndu; the MD/CEO OBB & BROS Nig. Ltd., Engr. Pastor Clifford Obi; and others who spoke on behalf of the vendors, acknowledged certain operational shortcomings previously observed and assured the company of improved service and stronger collaboration going forward.
Expressing their respective concerns, the vendors also requested additional time in some areas to fully align with certain operational expectations newly introduced by the company, while equally appealing for sustained communication and partnership.
They further lauded the ongoing reforms and infrastructural improvements within the company, particularly commending the upgraded operational environment and the newly-refurbished meeting hall at the company’s headquarters.
The meeting also featured extensive deliberations on strategies for strengthening operational coordination, improving response systems, enhancing accountability, and ensuring more effective service support across the company’s operational districts.
The engagement formed part of FirstPower’s broader efforts towards institutional strengthening, improved operational standards, and building a more efficient and responsive electricity distribution company. Also present at the meeting were the Chief Financial Officer of FirstPower, Mr. Ndubuisi Ekeopara; Head, Audit, Mr. Ogbonnaya Ezekiel; and Head, Security, Mr. Uduak Sam, among others.
