After nearly a decade without electricity, 33 communities in the Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have been reconnected to power, ending one of the longest blackouts in the region’s recent history. The formal power switch-on event took place on Monday at Central Primary School in Obehie, where Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti led the ceremony.
The restoration project was executed by the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) under the supervision of the State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities. It fulfills a promise Governor Otti made to the people of the affected communities earlier this year.
Flanked by members of his cabinet, the governor arrived for the ceremony aboard the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle EV Bus, a symbol of the administration’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.
In his address, Governor Otti reminded residents of the critical role they play in safeguarding communal assets.
“I believe that we have a responsibility to protect what is in our community. Nobody can do it better than you. And those thieves do not come from heaven. They are all part and parcel of the community,” he said, urging citizens to guard the electricity facilities against vandalism.
Responding to concerns about the cost of electricity, the governor directed stakeholders to explore ways of supporting residents who may struggle with the bills now that power has been restored.
“That is how society works. So, I will give a job to the Mayor to sit down with the Honourable Member, the Commissioner and all the capable people so that we can work out a way to support those who cannot pay,” he added.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, highlighted the wide scope of the restoration efforts. According to him, the project included: rehabilitating 30 transformer distribution substations, installing 12 new transformers, restoring 34 kilometres of high–tension lines, and rehabilitating 3.5 kilometres of low–tension distribution lines
He also noted that the communities are being metered to ensure effective billing and management of electricity usage, a key step in sustaining reliable power supply.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, Chairman and CEO of Aba Power Limited, assured residents that the area would enjoy continuous service. He explained that the network covering the benefitting communities is part of a broader initiative by his company, which serves nine local government areas. According to Prof. Nnaji, electricity generation in the area will remain stable because it is independent of the national grid. He further appealed to residents to avoid tampering with infrastructure or engaging in energy theft.
Rev. Joshua Onyeike, General Manager of ASOPADEC, described the event as momentous for the region, expressing gratitude to Governor Otti for keeping his promise.
“It is with joy and happiness that we have come to do this important assignment this evening and that is to ensure that the light which His Excellency promised us on the 11th of March, 2025, has been dutifully restored and rekindled,” Rev. Onyeike said, adding that the restoration will illuminate homes, roads, and communal spaces.
Hon. Godwin Adiele, the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, praised the governor’s performance and expressed confidence that this and other achievements would earn the administration electoral support in 2027.
For communities that have endured nine years without reliable power, a situation that stunted social and economic activities, this restoration marks a long-awaited turning point. The project not only restores light, but it also renews hopes for further development across the oil producing areas of Abia State.
