Okpebholo moves to decentralise power supply in Edo

… says govt targeting improved electricity, efficiency across senatorial districts

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said his administration is putting in place measures to decentralise power supply in the state, improve efficiency and reduce the burden of poor electricity supply on residents and businesses.

Okpebholo disclosed this at the 52nd Annual Convention of the Uromi Community Association of Nigeria, UCAN, held at Uromi City Hall in Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said electricity had remained a major challenge for the people of Edo State, noting that the epileptic power supply from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), had continued to affect businesses and economic activities.

He assured the people of even development across the state, stressing that his administration was committed to projects that would improve the lives of Edo people.

“I am in office to work for Edo people, and I will touch every area with developmental projects that will benefit the people and improve their lives,” he said.

According to him, his administration has already flagged off a 100 megawatt electricity project in Benin City and plans to replicate the initiative in Edo Central Senatorial District.

“The issue of electricity is very important because it has become a problem for us as a people. We flagged off 100MW of power in Benin City, and we will also have 100MW here.

“The inauguration of 100MW of power in Edo Central will enable us to decentralise the power sector and ensure that our people in Edo Central and Afemai enjoy improved electricity supply,” he said.

Okpebholo said his administration remained resolute in transforming the state and had embarked on numerous developmental projects across the three senatorial districts.

He attributed the achievements recorded so far by his administration to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also expressing appreciation to the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Anselm Edenojie II, for supporting the mobilisation drive for 2.5 million votes for the President in the 2027 election.

The governor said he was optimistic that Edo could deliver the target and urged the people of Uromi to work towards its actualisation.

“I have told the President not to come to Edo during the campaign, but only to come during the commissioning of projects,” he said.

Okpebholo also criticised the immediate past administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing it of rushing to inaugurate uncompleted projects at the end of its tenure.

He specifically cited the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, saying the current administration was spending huge resources to complete the project.

“They deceived Edo people that the Stella Obasanjo Hospital had been completed, but this administration is spending so much money to complete it,” he said.

Earlier, the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Anselm Edenojie II, drew the governor’s attention to some of the challenges confronting Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the abandoned Ahojie Township Stadium project.

He said sports and recreation were critical to youth development and social progress, and called on the governor to revive the facility.

“Sports and recreation are vital to the development of any society, especially for our youth. It is with deep regret that I note the long-abandoned Ahojie Township Stadium project.

“A functional stadium in Uromi would not only promote youth engagement in sports, but also foster talent development, spur economic activity and instill community pride,” the royal father said.

The governor’s remarks come against the backdrop of his administration’s recent groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a 100MW power generating plant and 300 metric tons-per-day LNG facility at Taihu Industrial Park, Ologbo, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo South Senatorial District, with plans to extend similar projects to Edo Central.