By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi

The federal government and the Ondo State government have commenced the process of restoring electricity to the southern senatorial district of the state, which has been without power for nearly 15 years.

The Ode Erinje Power Substation, expected to deal with this situation was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.

The President was represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who said the commissioning marks a significant milestone in this effort.

The substation, which draws its supply from the Omotosho Power Plant, is designed to illuminate over 2,000 communities across five local government areas in the senatorial district.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa expressed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring a permanent end to the prolonged blackout in the Southern Senatorial District.

He acknowledged the support of President Tinubu and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in making the project possible.

The Governor highlighted the transformative benefits of the project, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare, and overall socioeconomic development.

On his part, the NDDC governing board chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stated that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and plays a critical role in achieving sustainable development in the state and Nigeria at large.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for maintaining a crime-free state, which has enabled NDDC projects to remain free from vandalism.

The community leaders, including Oba Oladele Fredrick, the Orungberuwa-Elect of Ode Erinje, expressed their joy and gratitude for the development, which they said has caused significant hardship due to the absence of electricity.

They commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support and achievements since becoming Governor.