After enduring an eight-year blackout, the twin communities of Edo and Otulu Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State, have joyously celebrated their reconnection to the national grid. This long-awaited restoration of power, achieved by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), has been hailed as a significant milestone for the communities.
Residents expressed immense gratitude to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, for his unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in bringing electricity back to their areas. The restoration marks a profound turning point, signalling the end of a prolonged period of darkness and uncertainty for the locals.
Okwabani Anthony Enurah, the Traditional Chief of Otulu Ogwashi-Uku, sincerely appreciated the Obi’s relentless dedication. He highlighted that the Obi played a crucial role in collaborating with the electricity committees to procure the necessary infrastructure for the reconnection, including poles, cables, transformers, and other essential equipment. Enurah noted, “It has been a challenging journey, but we can now look forward to developing our community with restored electricity.”
The positive impact of the power restoration extends beyond just lighting up the streets. Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, the Palace Secretary of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, praised the successful collaboration between the Obi and the community chiefs. He emphasised that the reconnection had enabled the installation of boreholes, which provide clean water to the residents, enhancing their quality of life. Moreover, scholarships have been secured for Ogwashi-Uku indigenes to pursue higher education at the university level, marking another significant achievement for the community.
Emordi also revealed ongoing efforts to attract businesses and industries to the region. He stated, “The Obi in Council is actively working to bring companies to set up factories and operations in these communities to spur development.” This initiative is expected to create job opportunities and foster economic growth, further contributing to the region’s prosperity.
The restoration of electricity to Edo and Otulu Ogwashi-Uku is about the return of power and the promise of a brighter and more prosperous future. Having endured years of darkness, the communities now stand on the threshold of renewed hope and development, with the restoration marking the beginning of a new chapter in their history.