Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has inaugurated the first phase of a rural electrification initiative aimed at improving power supply and promoting development in 30 communities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The project involves the distribution and installation of 30 units of 500kVA transformers. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the initiative as a milestone in fulfilling his pledge to bring electricity and development closer to the people.
A statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, quoted the governor as saying: “It is with great pride and a profound sense of duty that I flag off the first phase of the distribution and installation of 30 units of 500KVA transformer strategically distributed across the three senatorial districts of our beloved state.”
According to the governor, the project was conceived in response to the numerous requests received from communities through the Ministry of Rural and Energy Development. He explained that each request was handled with urgency in line with his administration’s commitment to prioritizing grassroots welfare.
Ododo stressed that the distribution of the transformers would be guided by fairness to ensure balanced development across all senatorial districts.
“In the spirit of fairness and equity, I have directed that these 30 transformers be distributed across the three senatorial districts. This ensures that the benefits of this crucial infrastructure project are felt simultaneously and equitably across our state,” he stated.
He noted that the initiative represents more than just an improvement in electricity supply, describing it as an investment in commerce, education, healthcare, and the overall well-being of Kogi residents.
“Electricity is critical to our industrial drive and our determination to light up our rural areas to enhance livelihood and agriculture. It is about lighting lives, powering education, drive industry, supporting healthcare and strengthening the security of our communities, this project speaks to the truth that every part of Kogi State matters,” the governor added.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue implementing projects that directly impact citizens, assuring that subsequent phases of the electrification drive will extend to additional communities. He also urged residents to safeguard the transformers against vandalism and make judicious use of the facilities.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Abdulmutalib Mohammed, said the transformer distribution aligns with the ministry’s mandate to improve living standards in rural areas.
He explained that a comprehensive technical assessment was conducted to determine the needs of each community requesting transformer replacement or installation, adding that more areas will benefit in future phases.
The commissioner commended Governor Ododo for responding to the power challenges facing rural communities, noting that the project will enhance livelihoods and stimulate local business activities.
