By Ojotule Romanus
Inline with his administration’s drives to light up rural communities, the Kogi State Government, has flagged off the distribution and installation of 30 transformers for 46 approved sites in various communities across the state.
The breakdown of the benefing communities shows that, out of the 30 requests from Kogi Central, a tolal of 21 sites were approved, out the 15 requests from Kogi East, a tolal of 11 sites were approved while a total of 14 sites was approved for Kogi West out of the 22 requests.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the distribution held at the Tennis Court, Government House in Lokoja recently, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo stated that the distribution of the 30 transformers mark the beginning of a new phase of his administration’s energy-infrastructural development.
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Governor Ododo said the distribution also represents his administration’s determination to provide stable power supply that would enable farmers to process their harvest, support artisans and entrepreneurs and also help the students study even after sun set.
He deslosed that his government would continue to invest in energy infrastructure as well as explore renewable energy solutions, assuring that no communities in the state would be left behind in this drive.
The governor emphasised that the responsibility for providing transformers lies with the electricity distribution company within it’s franchise however, he pointed out that, ” when our communities experience persistent delays and unmet needs, we refused to fold our arms, we took action because leadership is not about shifting blames but about finding solutions”
He further stressed that his government would never allow bureaucracy to stand in the way of progress.
He commended the state Ministry of Rural and Energy Department for it’s dedication and professionalism exhibited in the actualisation of the projects, while urging the benefing communities to protect the assets against vandals and misuse.
According to him, each of the transformers is designed to serve for decades and so, if well safeguarded, it would serve the communities effectively.
Governor Ododo further disclosed that the present project was just the first phase of his administration’s firm commitment to expanding energy access across the state adding that, ” when our people are in dire need, government must respond swiftly, decisively and responsible”.
He used the occasion to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold and strategic reforms which he said has made it possible for the state government to have access to more resources to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
Earlier in his address, the State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Department, Engr. Abdulmutalib Muhammed disclosed that the initiative represents a significant stride in fulfilling Governor Ododo’s commitment to stimulate economic growth and elevate productivity in the various communities across the state.
Engr. Abdulmutalib explained that the interventions were direct responses to the heartfelt requests submitted through the Ministry of Rural and Energy Development.
According to him, every submission was treated with seriousness adding that, ” our technical team conducted thorough on-site inspections to ensure each met the necessary technical and safety standards.
He gave the initials submission as follows; Kogi Central – 30 requests, Kogi East – 15 requests, and Kogi West – 22 requests.
He said after rigorous evaluation, the final recommendations pririotised the most critical needs and approved 14 sites for kogi West, 11 sites for Kogi East and 22 sites for kogi Central.
“And in the spirit of fairness and inclusivity, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo has approved the installation of a new 500KVAtrasnsformers in each Senatorial districts bringing the total to 30 units” , he pointed out.
