Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Gov. Alex Otti has commenced the distribution of transformers his government procured for various communities across in the state.
Speaking while distributing the first phase of the transformers to 11 benefiting communities, Governor Otti said that distribution of the transformers was part of his social contract with the people of the state which is to promote and provide reliable electricity supply to the communities.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, recalled that government had announced in December 2024 that it procured 53 transformers.
He said that all the 53 transformers would be given to the beneficiaries this week.
“This is the first batch of transformers that will be procured and supplied to communities in the state.
“So today we will be handing over to 11 communities and the entire week we will distribute the remaining transformers to the benefitting communities.
“This is to boost electricity supply to our communities in the state. This is part of that gesture that would help us achieve that goal,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected in ‘first come, first served basis.’ He described Abia people and residents as industrious people who are blessed saying that, “we cannot promote industrialisation without reliable electricity.”
He urged all the communities, especially community heads to take responsibility and ensure the transformers are protected against any form of threat or vandalism.
“This, is that tax payers’ money that is put to work so you should endeavour to ensure that you will handle it with care, protect it and provide enough security,” Gov. Otti instructed.
Responding on behalf of other benefitting communities, Eze Innocent Ezeala of Ibe Uzo Amawom-Oboro, community in Ikwuano Local Government Area, thanked Governor Otti for extending such gesture to his community.
He described it as a welcome development and a demonstration of the present administration’s commitment to the transformation of the state.
“This gesture points to the fact that government is setting up systems that will make Abia a state that works in every sector.
“The funny thing is that I came here and put up an application for a transformer for my community without seeing the Commissioner.
“I was called on phone to come for the transformer without having to grease anyone’s palms with anything in order to get it,” Eze Ezeala stated.
The 11 communities that benefited from the first phase include: Umuogo Umuahia South, Amaegbuato-Nkpa Bende LGA, Okpuala/Umuelenwa Isiala ngwa North, Agbama Olokoro Umuahia South, Ibe Uzo Amawom Ikwuano LGA, Umuoruku Obingwa LGA, Atani Abam Arochukwu LGA, Ndi Oti Alicho-Acho Arochukwu LGA, Abayi Ohanze Obingwa LGA, Nwokoma Environs, Umuagbaghi Aba South LGA and Umuokelenta Amaoba Oboro Ikwuano LGA.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Power and Public Utilities Mrs. Nwanyịeze Otum, were among the government officials at the event.
