President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, today, commissioned a 132KV transmission line and a 132KV/33KV substation in Ode Erinje, Okitipupa, ending a 15-year blackout in the Ondo South Senatorial District.

The Ode Erinje Power Substation, which draws its electricity from the Omotosho Power Plant, is designed to illuminate over 2,000 communities spanning five local government areas in the Senatorial District.

The President, represented by the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, stated that the project’s completion aligns with his administration’s focus on sustainable development and economic growth, in line with the eight presidential priorities of the administration.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Mr. John Mayaki, said the Minister emphasised the crucial role of reliable power supply in driving business success and revitalising communities. He added that the President has promised to establish exclusive funding for the commission to improve the region.

He said this transformative project will bring significant benefits, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare, and support for socioeconomic development in the district. Additionally, the project will undoubtedly boost economic activities and improve the quality of life for citizens by ensuring reliable and affordable electricity supply.

In his words, “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.”

Earlier, in his address, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed his administration’s dedication to improving infrastructure and ensuring a permanent end to the prolonged blackout in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.

“Without a 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”, he stated.

Aiyedatiwa extended a warm welcome to the Minister and acknowledged the unwavering support and leadership of President Tinubu in making this project possible.

“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.

"The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable and reliable electricity system that can meet the growing demands of citizens and support the socioeconomic growth of the state”, he added.

Earlier in his opening address, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the project is a key component of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting its significance to the President due to the critical role of electricity in achieving sustainable development in the state and in Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, 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 vandalism. He commended the governor for maintaining a crime-free state. Reflecting on the long-standing demand for a better Niger Delta region, Dr. Ogbuku emphasised that the people deserve no less.

He stated that the NDDC’s mission is to bridge the longstanding infrastructural gaps and create an environment conducive to enhanced economic activities in the communities and across the Niger Delta region. He added that this embodies the true essence of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Present at the event were members of the Senate Committee on NDDC, led by the Chairman, Sen. Asuquo Epeyong, traditional rulers from Ondo South, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, members of the State Executive Council, and High Chief Alh. Aremiyau Momoh Mbakwe, among other eminent personalities.