President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the N8.1 billion 132/33kv electricity sub-station at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State after 15 years years after the Southern part has been in total blackout.
The project, which was funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will provide electricity to over 2,000 communities across the five local government areas in the Southern Senatorial district of the State.
The five LGA’s which has been in total blackout for over 15 years are: Okitipupa, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Irele and part of Odigbo.
While inaugurating the project in Ode-Erinje, Tinubu said that it would significantly impact on the lives of residents by ending decades of darkness in the area.
Tinubu observed that the project’s completion aligns with his administration’s focus on sustainable development and economic growth as highlighted in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The president who was represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh enumerated 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,”Tinubu said.
In his address, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure and ensuring a permanent end to the prolonged blackout in the district of the state.
The governor identified the benefits of the project to include job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare, and overall socioeconomic development.
“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,” Aiyedatiwa said.
In his opening address, Chairman, NDDC governing board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, highlighted the significant roles of electricity towards achieving sustainable development in the state and in Nigeria at large.
Also, 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 vandalisation.
In his message, Oba Oladele Akinmoye, the Orungberuwa of Ode Erinje, said the absence of electricity in the area had caused significant hardship to the inhabitants.
“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 said.
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