NDDC Electricity Project Excites Obaseki, Edo Residents
By Edith Chima
The commissioning of the 1×15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation built by the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Benin City of Edo State, has been highly commended.
The state governor, Godwin Obaseki, who described the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as “Mr. Project of the Niger Delta region.” appreciated the Commission for complementing the efforts of the state government in rural electrification.
Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Mr. Enaholo Ojiefoh, stated this during the commissioning ceremony.
He said, “We will take it up from here by enhancing the security network to protect all your projects in Edo State. We are very happy today to be part of the commissioning of this project.”
Also, the traditional ruler of Amufi, Ohen Iyi-Ewuara Asenoguan, thanked the NDDC, for executing the electricity project and appealed for more infrastructural projects in the area from the NDDC.
Speaking during the ceremony, the NDDC MD re-stated the Commission’s resolve to fully comply with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that all on-going projects were completed and commissioned.
He said, “Today marks the second day in our series of project commissioning. On Saturday, we were in Abia State to commission the 9-kilometer Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road and flagged off the reconstruction of Oke-Ikpe-Akwete-Ohambele Road, phase II.
“Our presence here today is to share the success story of our commissioning of projects and emphasize how the NDDC is a true blessing to the people of the Niger Delta. We have made remarkable progress. Our goal is not to compete with state governments but to complement their efforts and those of other federal agencies in driving regional development.
“We are here to celebrate success, as Mr. President has directed that every stalled project be completed and commissioned, affirming the Commission’s resolve to fully comply with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that all ongoing projects beyond for the benefit of the people. By prioritizing the completion of such projects, we are making a difference in the lives of our people.”
Ogbuku said that the Commission was committed to improving the living conditions of Niger Deltans, stating, “Our objective is to move the NDDC from a transactional Commission to one that is committed to the sustainable development and transformation of the Niger Delta region.”
The NDDC boss commended the traditional rulers and leaders of the benefiting communities for securing the project site and equipment to protect them from vandals. As a reward for their peaceful disposition and protecting government assets, Ogbuku promised that the NDDC would award a contract for the reconstruction of the dilapidated road leading into Amufi community.
The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said the project would increase business productivity for companies and artisans in the beneficiary communities.
According to him: “The features of the project include the installation of 15MVA, 33/11KV transformer with 33KV 1250A SF6 circuit breaker, switch gear panels, tripping unit and 1km 33KV high tension overhead line.
The Edo South Senatorial District representative, Senator Neda Imasuen, underscored that light eliminates darkness and opens up communities to development. He expressed delight that his constituents would enjoy better services from the area’s electricity company.
He stressed: “The transformative power of electricity cannot be overstated; this project will have a multiplier effect on businesses within the community.”
Also speaking, the immediate past Senator representing Edo South in the National Assembly, Senator Mathew Urhoghide, said the impact of electricity projects was enormous, noting that the communities in Ikpoba Okha LGA would begin to reap the benefits of NDDC’s contribution to rural development.
He remarked: “For the people in this community, this project will assist in their development by providing access to electricity, benefiting both the residents and local establishments.”
The Edo State Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Patrick Aisowieren, said he was happy that the substation project commenced a few years back had been successfully completed.
He further urged “the community to take ownership of this facility for the greater good of the community and the entire Edo State.”
