Victor Antai
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has confirmed the completion and connection of its newly constructed 132/33kv electricity substation in Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, to the national grid.
During an inspection of the project, Victor Antai, the NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, hailed the substation as a landmark initiative that would stimulate economic activities in Ondo State and enhance the living standards of the communities it serves. He emphasized the NDDC’s dedication to providing electricity to oil-producing communities in Ondo South Senatorial District, which have been without power for 15 years.
Antai announced that the substation would be inaugurated in April, echoing the directive from the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to prioritize the completion and commissioning of impactful projects. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for overseeing a proactive Governing Board at NDDC.
The project aims to illuminate over 2,000 communities across five local government areas in Ondo State’s oil-producing region, ending decades of darkness. Antai revealed that the NDDC had also awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the distribution network to facilitate power transmission to the benefiting communities.
Benson Obayelu, representing the contracting firm, outlined the project’s scope, including the installation of a 132KV double circuit transmission line with two 30/40MVA transformers. This infrastructure will enable electricity transmission from Omotosho to Ode-Erinje, Okitipupa, benefiting five local government areas.
Dr. Obafemi Ogbaro, Acting National Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON), highlighted the significance of connecting to the national grid, underscoring the prolonged darkness experienced by communities in Ondo South Senatorial District.
Otito Atikase, the Ondo State Representative on the NDDC Board, emphasized the project’s importance in fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in the region.
The NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, confirmed the completion of the substation, which will soon be inaugurated and handed over to the Transmission Company of Nigeria for operational management. He credited this achievement to the performance bond signed by the NDDC with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
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