President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned a 132KV transmission line and 132KV/33KV substation in Ode Erinje, Okitipupa after 15 years of blackout at Ondo South Senatorial District.
The Ode Erinje Power Substation, which draws its electricity from the Omotosho Power Plant, is designed to illuminate over 2,000 communities spanning five local government areas in the senatorial district.
The President, who was represented by Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, emphasized that the project’s completion aligns with his administration’s focus on sustainable development and economic growth.
He highlighted the crucial role of reliable power supply in driving business success and revitalizing communities
This project, one of many in the Niger Delta area, will bring renewed hope and prosperity to the people of Okitipupa, reviving businesses and transforming the region.” He said.
Earlier, in his address, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure and ensuring a permanent end to the prolonged blackout in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
“Without doubt, today’s event is a testament to our commitment to sustainable electricity supply and ensuring a permanent end to 15 years of darkness in the Southern Senatorial District of the State,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa extended a warm welcome to the Minister and acknowledged the unwavering support and leadership of President Tinubu in making this project possible.
He highlighted the role of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its management under the Chairmanship of Mr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for their invaluable partnership and steadfast commitment to realizing this high-impact endeavor.
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Royal fathers, the resilient residents of Ode-Erinje, and the entire Southern Senatorial District for their cooperation and support throughout the journey of this project.
“Your enduring commitment and good spirit have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and ensuring the success of this laudable project,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
The Governor emphasized the transformative benefits of the project, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare, and overall socioeconomic development.
“This transformative project will bring significant benefits, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare and support socioeconomic development in the district. Moreover, the project will, no doubt, boost economic activities and improve the quality of life for our citizens by ensuring reliable and affordable electricity supply”
“Our administration is committed to promoting collaboration with organisations with expertise and knowledge that can complement its efforts in advancing the energy sector. To this end, our government has been engaging with power companies, technology providers, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to generate innovative solutions towards enhancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in the State. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable and reliable electricity system that can meet the growing demands of citizens and support the socioeconomic growth of the State” he added.
The Governor urged the community to protect the new infrastructure, highlighting the collective duty to safeguard the substation and allied facilities from vandalism.
“Considering what we have been through for about 15 years without electricity supply, it is our collective duty to protect the Substation and other allied facilities from vandalism” he stressed.
Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked President Tinubu, the Hon. Minister, and all involved in the project.
“This project represents the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations to provide better energy infrastructure for the country. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact that the 132/33KV transmission substation project will create for our dear state and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Earlier in his opening address, Chairman, NDDC governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the project is a key component of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting its significance to the President due to the critical role of electricity in achieving sustainable development in the state and in Nigeria at large.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, noted that Ondo State is one of the few states where NDDC projects remain free from vandalism. He commended the governor for maintaining a crime-free state.
Reflecting on the long-standing demand for a better Niger Delta region, Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that the people deserve no less. He stated that the NDDC’s mission is to bridge the longstanding infrastructural gaps and create an environment conducive to enhanced economic activities in the communities and across the Niger Delta region. He added that this embodies the true essence of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, described the project as a beacon of hope and achievement. He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project’s success and reminded attendees that this is just the beginning, affirming their commitment to advancing the Niger Delta region.
In his goodwill message, Oba Oladele Fredrick, the Orungberuwa of Ode Erinje, expressed his joy, stating,
“On behalf of the host community, Ode Erinje, we are delighted to host this event. The absence of electricity has caused us significant hardship, but I commend our people for their patience. We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for making this electricity project a reality.”
He also appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure regular electricity supply to prevent cable theft.
Present at the event were members of the Senate Committee on NDDC, led by the Chairman, Sen. Asuquo Epeyong, Traditional rulers from Ondo South, Members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, members of the State Executive Council, among other eminent personalities
Credit: The Hope Newspaper
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