The Ondo State Government has distributed electricity transformers to several communities across the state as part of its efforts to improve power supply and support socio-economic development.
The initiative is aimed at addressing the electricity needs of residents, replacing faulty transformers and enhancing access to reliable power in underserved areas.
The distribution took place at the Ondo State Electricity Board complex in Akure.
The beneficiaries include selected communities from the state’s three senatorial districts, namely Ilaje Community, Okunmo-Oluwa Glass in Okitipupa, Jilibokun in Ile-Oluji, Okonga II Community in Igbokoda, Omoge Layout in Okitipupa and the NSCDC Community on Oda Road in Akure.
Others are Moferere Akinboboye Community in Idanre, Ijigba 3 Olasipe Layout, Oluwafemi Quarters, the APC Secretariat on Ilesa Road, Ilekun on Oda Road, Owode Supare, Phase II Isuada in Owo, Oluwatedo Community near FUTA North Gate and Falodun Street in Oke-Ogun, Owo.
A breakdown of the procurement showed that eight of the transformers are rated at 500kVA, 11/0.400kV; two are 300kVA, 11/0.400kV units; three are 500kVA, 33/0.400kV units; while one is a 100kVA, 11/0.400kV transformer, bringing the total number of transformers distributed to 14.
Representatives of the beneficiary communities received the transformers at the Ondo State Electricity Board under the supervision of the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr Johnson Alabi.
Speaking at the event, Dr Alabi said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remained committed to improving the welfare of the people of the state.
He said: “The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is a lover of the people and is always determined to touch lives. This is one initiative that directly touches the lives of the people, which is why he approved it to ease the burden of electricity challenges in many of our communities. This is the first phase, and we are going to do more.
“As you have witnessed this morning, this initiative directly impacts the lives of our citizens. It affects everyone because there is no household without electricity. When there is no electricity, businesses suffer and the economy is affected. That is why we are delighted that the governor is taking this step to ease the burden on the people of Ondo State.
“We do not want residents to keep paying for transformers. What the government is doing is part of its corporate social responsibility. Once we provide the transformers, the government will also handle the installation so that beneficiaries will not have to worry about anything.
“This is only the beginning. The project has been divided into phases, and this is the first. We have over 400 requests on our table, and the governor is determined to address electricity challenges across Ondo State once and for all.
“You are also aware of the O’Datiwa electricity meter initiative. That was one of the first programmes the governor introduced on assuming office, and it is still ongoing. Very soon, the Ondo State Government will ensure that every home has an electricity meter.
“In addition, the governor has approved the expansion of electricity to Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government area and Kofoworola in Ilaje Local Government area. Many other communities are currently undergoing the approval process.
“Our efforts will not stop here. We are committed to ensuring that the people of Ondo State have access to reliable electricity.
“I also returned from Ondo this morning. The governor has approved a 240-kilowatt solar power project for UNIMED Hospital, and implementation has commenced. He has equally approved a 7.5-megawatt power generation plant to be located in Alagbaka, Akure, and work on that project has also begun. By the end of this year, we expect to begin generating electricity here in Akure.”
The member representing Akure South Constituency II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Stephen Abitogun, described the official handover of transformers to communities and government agencies across the state as a significant milestone in improving electricity supply.
He said: “We can all witness what is happening today, from the official briefing held in one of the conference rooms to the handing over of transformers of various capacities to communities and government agencies across Ondo State.”
The General Manager of the Ondo State Electricity Board, Mr Akindolani Ogunmakinwa, explained that the exercise marked the first phase of a broader intervention, with more transformers expected to be procured and installed across the state.
He said: “As part of Mr governor’s agenda, we are procuring more transformers to relieve overloaded substations. Many communities have requested transformers to address their electricity challenges. Today’s programme is only Phase One of our intervention, and more transformers will be procured.
“After distribution, the next stage is installation. We are expecting approval shortly to begin installing the transformers. This aligns with the promise Mr governor made to the people during his election campaign.
“Once installation is completed, the transformers will be connected to the national grid. They will then become the property of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, which will be responsible for their maintenance. Our responsibility is to procure, install and hand them over.”
A resident of Oluwatedo Community in Ipinsha, Akure South Local Government area, Prof. Isiaka Oluwole, expressed delight over the intervention.
He said: “Before now, the situation was very bad. We had been without electricity for almost five years and tried every possible means to restore power without success. We are delighted to receive a transformer today, and it will positively impact our community.”
Also speaking, a resident and former Chairman of Oluwafemi Community, off Aule Road, Akure, Mr George Bamidele Omode, expressed gratitude to the state government for ending the prolonged blackout experienced by the community.