Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has restored electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, bringing to an end nearly nine years of darkness in the oil-producing part of the state.
The power restoration project was executed by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC) and supervised by the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, in fulfilment of a pledge made by the governor to the communities in March 2025.
Switching on the restored electricity at Central Primary School, Obehie, on Monday, Governor Otti said the project underscored his administration’s resolve to address years of neglect and ensure equitable development across Abia State. The governor arrived at the venue aboard the newly introduced Abia Green Shuttle electric bus, accompanied by members of the State Executive Council.
He also confirmed that Mr Promise Onwukwe, whose case he had earlier promised to review, had been reinstated, describing the move as part of efforts to correct past injustices.
Otti urged residents to safeguard the electricity infrastructure, warning that vandalism and theft could jeopardise the gains made.
“These facilities belong to the people, and it is your collective responsibility to protect them. Those who vandalise them are not strangers; they come from within the communities,” he said.
Addressing concerns over high electricity bills, the governor directed relevant stakeholders to meet and explore ways of assisting residents who may struggle with payment.
“The Mayor will work with the Honourable Member, the Commissioner and other stakeholders to come up with practical solutions to support those who cannot afford the cost,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, commended the governor for delivering tangible results within a short time, assuring him of strong political support from the area in 2027.
Providing technical details, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the project involved the rehabilitation of 30 distribution substations, installation of 12 new transformers, restoration of 34 kilometres of high-tension lines, and 3.5 kilometres of low-tension lines. He added that metering of the benefiting communities was ongoing to ensure transparency in billing.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aba Power Limited, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, assured residents of uninterrupted power supply, noting that Ukwa West falls within the nine local government areas under the company’s coverage. He said electricity for the area would be generated outside the national grid and appealed to residents to desist from vandalism and energy theft.
Earlier, the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Rev. Joshua Onyeike, described the restoration of power to Asa land as historic, saying it fulfilled a promise made by the governor earlier in the year.
“Today, we have come to switch on the light promised on March 11, 2025. This moment marks the beginning of greater things to come for our communities,” he said.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioners including Mr Philemon Ogbonna (Environment) and Prince Okey Kanu (Information); former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Ralph Egbu; and other government officials and community leaders.
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