President Bola Tinubu yesterday inaugurated a 132kv transmission line and 132kv/33kv substation at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State as part of efforts to restore electricity supply to the southern senatorial district.
Daily Trust reports that people in Ondo’s Southern district had been in darkness for more than 10 years without electricity and power supply to boost business activities.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, said the commissioning of the power project was part of the idea of the government to ensure sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
The president said his administration had determined the provision of sufficient power to stimulate the economy of the country, especially for the prosperity of all Nigerians.
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“We all know that the power supply for human activity is crucial to enhance socioeconomic development, increase income to families, create job opportunities and bring people out of poverty.
“Therefore, the 132kv transmission line has the capacity to generate uninterrupted efficient power transmission to bridge the power gap and serve the people of Okitipupa and his environs, which was thrown into darkness for the past 10 years.
“As a result of the commissioning, the scenario will now change to reactivate businesses for the success of our men and women.
“Now that the government has done her part and fulfilled his promise it’s the turn and responsibility of the communities to fulfil their part by continuing to protect this project against vandalism,” he said.
Speaking at the inauguration, Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, NDDC, revealed that the power project would provide electricity for over 2,000 communities in the Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs of Ondo Southern Senatorial District.
Mr Ogbuku said the project aimed to serve urgent needs and to link Ondo South to the national grid after 15 years without light in the areas.
Earlier, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa applauded President Tinubu for his gesture to restore electricity power to five local government areas of southern senatorial district of Ondo State after 15 years of darkness.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said that the project symbolises a commitment to the progress and development of the people of southern senatorial districts.
The governor, therefore, promised the state government’s intervention to protect the project for the benefit of the state at large.
Mr Benson Obayelu, Project Contractor, who explained that the project was awarded to his company in 2012, said that the project was delayed due to falling in the country’s currency.
Obayelu said that the light was evacuated from Omotosho Power Plant to Ernje in Okitipupa, saying it would improve and change the economic narrative of the communities.
Oba Fredrick Oladele, Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope agenda to bring light back to the communities.
Daily Trust reports that the light project will cover four local government areas in the south senatorial district of the state, which included Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
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