The Niger Delta Development Commission commissioned a 1×15MVA/33/11KV Substation at Amufi, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State on Monday.
The Commission stated that the project was part of its determination to bring development closer to the grassroots.
The new injection substation comprises a 15MVA, 33/11KV transformer with a 33 KV 1250A SF6 circuit breaker, switchgear panels, and a tripping Ikm 33KV high-tension overhead line.
Inaugurating the project, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the objective behind the project was to improve the energy requirements of Amufi and other neighboring communities, as well as to increase their productivity in businesses for companies and artisans in the benefiting communities.
“The above project has been tested by the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency and certified to be good,” Ogbuku declared.
“It is indeed our mission to ensure that the NDDC meets its obligation to the Niger Delta people by facilitating overall regional development that delivers dividends and benefits to our people.
“After so many years of yearning for a better Niger Delta region, the people don’t deserve less. Our main task remains to bridge the infrastructural developments that have existed for far too long, create the enabling environment for improved economic activities in the communities and across the Niger Delta region, and give the region a chance to help fulfill the people’s dreams in accordance with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.” The NDDC boss added.
He said the inauguration of the project in a rural community like Amufi had corrected the wrong impression held by many Nigerians that the NDDC was not working, adding that the project was in line with the Renewed Hope of President Bola Tinubu, who had given a marching order that all abandoned projects must be completed.
Ogbuku, while thanking the community for protecting the facility from vandals since it was abandoned in 2012, said that he had also heard of the community’s demand for an access road to the facility and assured that the road would be constructed for them.
He called on other communities in the Niger Delta region to learn from the Amufi community and ensure that government facilities are well preserved.
On his part, the Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Etim Antai, said the Injection Substation cost N248 million.
He explained that the contract provided for the procurement and installation of a 1×15MVA 33/11KV transformer with a 33KV 1250A SF6 circuit breaker, switchgear panels, and tripping unit and a 1km 33KV high-tension overhead line.
Antai added that the completed project, which had been certified to be good by NEMSA, had improved the energy requirements of the community and its environs and would also increase productivity in business for companies and artisans.
In his remarks, the Edo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Mr. Patrick Aisowieren, urged the people of the community to take delivery of the facility and ensure that it was preserved for their own good.
Also speaking at the occasion, Senator Nelda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District in the upper chamber, noted that the importance of electricity could not be overemphasized.
Senator Imasuen appealed to the NDDC to also undertake the construction of the road leading to the community, which is in a deplorable condition, to improve the quality of life of the people.
According to him, “Everyone knows the importance of electricity, and the commissioning of the substation will help boost the business in and around the community.
“I will also use this opportunity to appeal to the NDDC to undertake the road construction leading to this as the road is in a deplorable condition. Constructing the road will improve the quality of life of the people.”
Immediately after the inauguration, the facilities were handed over to the authorities of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to manage.
The Ohen (traditional leader) of Amufi, Chief Aisenogua Egharevba, commended NDDC for the project, pledging that the members of the community would protect it as their own.
Dignitaries present at the event were past members of the NDDC from Edo State, community leaders, and BEDC personnel.
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