The Ondo State Government has commenced the distribution of 15 electricity transformers to communities across the state as part of efforts to reduce power outages and improve electricity supply.
The intervention comes at a time when energy security remains a major global concern, with the conflict involving Iran and disruptions to energy supplies underscoring the importance of reliable and resilient electricity infrastructure for economic stability and development.
The transformers, which are of various capacities, are being distributed across the three senatorial districts in the first phase of the intervention.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi disclosed this during the formal handover of the transformers to representatives of the beneficiary communities at the ministry’s premises in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Southwest Nigeria.
Alabi said “the initiative was part of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE development agenda, stressing that reliable electricity was essential to economic growth and improved living standards.”
He said the Governor approved the procurement and distribution of the transformers to provide immediate relief to communities experiencing electricity challenges.
The Commissioner assured the beneficiaries that installation of the transformers would commence without delay, adding that the intervention would be implemented in phases.
“This intervention will be implemented in phases. The second phase will commence soon, and the exercise will continue until our objective of building a more efficient and reliable electricity sector across Ondo State is achieved,” he said.
Alabi reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to strengthening power infrastructure and introducing more initiatives to improve electricity supply across the state.
The General Manager of the Ondo State Electricity Board, OSEB, Akin Ogunmakinwa, said the transformers were being handed over to communities whose requests had been considered and approved by the governor.
Ogunmakinwa disclosed that the government had received more than 400 requests for transformers from communities across the state.
He said the high number of requests necessitated a phased distribution, with 15 communities benefiting from the first batch.
“We sincerely appreciate the Governor for responding to the yearnings of the people and making this intervention a reality,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiary communities, Michael Bamidele commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for responding to the electricity needs of the people.
He also appreciated the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources for his commitment to improving electricity supply across the state.
Bamidele urged communities that did not benefit from the first phase to remain hopeful, expressing confidence that subsequent phases would extend the intervention to other deserving communities.
The initiative is expected to improve access to electricity, support economic activities and enhance the quality of life of residents across Ondo State.
