Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has restored electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, bringing an end to nearly nine years of prolonged blackout in the oil-producing part of the state. The restoration marks a major relief for residents who have endured years of economic hardship and social disruption due to lack of power.
The electricity restoration project was executed by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities. The project fulfilled a commitment Governor Otti made to the people of Ukwa West during his visit to the area in March 2025.
Governor Otti officially performed the power switch-on ceremony at Central Primary School, Obehie, where he arrived in the newly introduced Abia Green Shuttle Electric Vehicle bus alongside members of the State Executive Council. He recalled his earlier promise to restore power to the affected communities and confirmed that Mr. Promise Onwukwe, whose case was previously raised, had been reinstated into service in line with his assurances.
The Governor urged residents of Ukwa West to take collective responsibility for safeguarding electricity facilities, warning that vandalism and theft would undermine the gains achieved. He stressed that protecting public infrastructure is a shared duty and emphasized that those who sabotage such assets are often members of the same communities affected.
Responding to concerns over high electricity bills following the restoration, Governor Otti directed that key stakeholders, including local government officials and community leaders, should engage in consultations to develop support measures for residents who may struggle with payments. He explained that collaboration remains essential to ensuring social balance and fairness.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, disclosed that the project involved the rehabilitation of 30 transformer distribution substations, the installation of 12 new transformers, the restoration of 34 kilometers of high-tension lines, and 3.5 kilometers of low-tension lines. He added that beneficiary communities are currently being metered to ensure effective and transparent billing, describing electricity as a cornerstone of Abia State’s development strategy.
Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aba Power Limited, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, assured residents of continuous electricity supply, noting that Ukwa West is among the nine local government areas supported by Aba Power. He confirmed that 33 transformers and multiple distribution lines had been deployed and explained that electricity to the area would be generated independently of the national grid, while cautioning against energy theft and vandalism.
Earlier, the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Rev. Joshua Onyeike, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for restoring power to Asa land, describing the event as historic and transformative. He noted that the restoration fulfilled the Governor’s promise made on March 11, 2025, and said the return of electricity would usher in economic growth, improved security, and better living conditions across the communities.
The Member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, commended the Otti-led administration for its achievements within a short period and expressed confidence that the people of Ukwa West would reward the Governor’s performance with overwhelming support in future elections. He stated that development efforts in the area would continue to expand under the present administration.
ALSO READ: U.S. Expands Travel Ban to 12 African Nations, Imposes Partial Restrictions on Nigeria, Others
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Ralph Egbu, among others.