Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has officially commissioned an N8 billion 132KV transmission line and 132/33KV substation in Ondo State and also cautioned against vandalism.
The project, which aims to restore electricity to the long-neglected Ondo South Senatorial District, has been hailed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a boon for over 2,000 communities.
Situated in Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa Local Council, the substation has been under construction by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for over five years, filling the gap left by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
This development promises to reconnect communities in Okitipupa, Ilaje, Irele, Odigbo, and Ese-Odo councils, that have suffered from a blackout for over 14 years.
Represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, President Tinubu stressed the significance of the transmission line in fostering uninterrupted electricity supply, stimulating small and medium businesses, and generating employment opportunities.
Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, drew attention to the far-reaching impact of the project, its potential to energise agriculture-rich areas and spur economic growth across the region.
“For these agriculturally rich areas, this will boost the local economy and 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,” Ogbuku said.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa echoed these sentiments, noting the project’s multifaceted benefits, including job creation, increased investments, improved healthcare, and overall socio-economic advancement.
Aiyedatiwa restated the government’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to enhance energy generation, transmission, and distribution in the state.
“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,” he said.