From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The federal government through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Wednesday commissioned a 132KV transmission line and 132KV/33KV substation at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh said the commissioning of the power project was part of efforts of the federal government to ensure sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
The President said his administration is determined to provide sufficient power to stimulate the economy of the country for the prosperity of all.
He said “We all know that power supply for human activities is crucial to enhancing socioeconomic development, increase income to family, create Jobs opportunity and bring people out of poverty.
“Therefore, the 132kv transmission line has capacity to generate uninterrupted efficient power transmission as bridge power gap and serve people of Okitipupa and his environs which was thrown into darkness for the past 15 years.
“Now that government has done her part and fulfilled the promise made, it’s the turn and responsibility of the communities to fulfill their part by continuing to protect this project against vandalism,” he added.
He informed that the power project will cover four Local Government Areas in the state including Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
Speaking, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku said the project would provide electricity for over 2,000 communities in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of the state.
Ogbuku said the aim of the project was to serve urgent needs of the affected communities and to link Ondo south senatorial district to the national grid after 15 years without electricity in the area.
He said the project was also aimed at complementing the federal government’s effort in the power sector by improving power supply in the area.
According to him, the project will improve direct value chain in small and medium scale industries, create job and consequently engender growth and development in the state.
In his remarks, the state Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa applauded president Tinubu for his gesture at restoring power to five local government areas after 15 years of darkness.
Aiyedatiwa said that the project symbolizes commitment to the progress and development of Ondo South senatorial district.
The Governor promised state government’s intervention to protect the project for the benefits of the state at large.
The Project Contractor, Mr Benson Obayelu who explained that the project was awarded to his company in 2012, said that the project was delayed due to fall in the country’s currency..