Official Commissioning of Contruction of 132KV Transmission Line and 132KV/33KV Substation in Okitipupa by the NDDC

Official Commissioning of Contruction of 132KV Transmission Line and 132KV/33KV Substation in Okitipupa by the NDDC

In a bid to put an end to over 15 years blackout in Ondo Southern Senatorial District, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday 22nd May, 2023, has commissioned the 132KV transmission line and 132KV/33KV substation in Ode Erinje, Okitipupa Local Government area of Ondo State.

The Okitipupa Power Substation, which draws its electricity from the Omotosho Power Plant, is designed to illuminate over 2,000 communities in the five local government areas in Ondo South.

The project which was commissioned on Wednesday, cost about 8.1 billion naira, covering
A 45km 132kV feeder line from the Omotosho Power Plant to Erinje
Two 60 MVA, 132/33kV transformers at the Erinje substation, rehabilitation of 33km of 33/11kV transmission lines from Okitipupa to Igbokoda, Ugbonla, and other Ilaje neighbouring communities.
Construction of a 1km rigid pavement with drainage.

The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who was represented by Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Development (NDDC), Engr. Abubakar Momoh, emphasized that the project’s completion aligns with his administration’s focus on sustainable development and economic growth.

He noted that the project will bring renewed hope and prosperity to the people of Ondo South, reviving businesses and transforming the region.”

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

While speaking, Governor Aiyedatiwa extended a warm welcome to the Minister and acknowledged the unwavering support and leadership proactiveness of President Tinubu in actualising the project.

The Governor also acknowledged the roles of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the management under the Chairmanship of Mr. Chiedu Ebie for their invaluable partnership and steadfast commitment to actualise the project.

Earlier in his opening address, Chairman, NDDC governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the project is a key component of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasized the significant role of electricity in achieving sustainable development in the state and Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, 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.

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, added that the power station project reflects the true picture of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong while speaking, described the project as a beacon of hope and achievement. He expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project’s success and reminded attendees that this is just the beginning, affirming their commitment to advancing the Niger Delta region.

In his goodwill message, Oba Oladele Fredrick, the Orungberuwa of Ode Erinje, the host community, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the community to President Tinubu, Governor Aiyedatiwa and NDDC Management for their resilient efforts by putting an end to the electricity blackout which has caused significant hardship to the district for the past 15 years.

The contractor, Sir Benson Obayelu while speaking with Coastal Renaissance News, appreciated God for giving him the power and strength to complete the long overdue project. He also thanked President Tinubu, Governor Aiyedatiwa and NDDC chiefs for their cooperation.

In his statement, Sir Obayelu emphasized the need for further distribution of the electricity to the mandate areas of the five local governments so that the electricity can be useful for the community dwellers, stressed that the electricity can only be beneficial to the people if it is properly distributed. He then appealed to the Ondo State government, OSOPADEC, NDDC and other relevant agencies to quickly sponsor the distribution of the electricity so that the people can quickly enjoy electricity supply in their respective houses.

Present at the event were members of the Senate Committee on NDDC, led by the Chairman, Sen. Asuquo Epeyong, Members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, members of the State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers and Spiritual leaders from Ondo South and other eminent personalities.

Report was gathered and documented by Coastal Renaissance News.