Over 2000 communities in five local government areas of Ondo State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria have been connected to the country’s national electricity grid after 15 years of being without electricity.
The 2000 communities were connected to the national grid on Wednesday after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) inaugurated a 132kv transmission line and a 132kV/33kV substation in Okitipupa Local Government Area.
The President of the West African nation, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Hon Abubakar Momoh, said the project commissioning was part of his administration’s effort to ensure sustainable development as well as peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.
He said the project would change the scenario of the five local government areas.
President Tinubu assured that the 2024 budget would enable many projects of the NDDC to be completed.
“We placed a high premium on sufficient power to stimulate the economy of the country. The power supply is crucial to enhance social economic development and increase income for the family. This project is one of many other projects being undertaken by the NDDC. This project has the capacity for efficient power distribution. It is a celebration of development and hard work. I cannot imagine the level of decadence in many communities,” he stated.
Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the project was completed because it was not vandalised.
Ogbuku stated that the NDDC has earmarked 50 projects to be commissioned as part of President Tinubu’s one year in office.
“This will be a major boost for the local economy and will facilitate more food production,.processing and transportation.
“It is expected to be a catalyst for the development of the areas, Ondo state and the region.”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his part, called on the NDDC to complete other ongoing projects scattered across the state.
Local reports suggested that there was joy and excitement among residents in the Ondo State Local Government area when the area was connected to the grid.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com