Hon. Otito Atikase Organizes Stakeholders Meeting Ahead of Erinje Power Substation Inauguration
In preparation for the inauguration of the Erinje power substation which has been scheduled for Wednesday 22nd of May,2024, Hon. Otito Atikase(Commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of NDDC) yesterday Moday 20th May convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting to address pressing issues related to electricity provision in Ilaje and Ese Odo local government areas, core mandate areas of the NDDC. The meeting, held in Igbokoda, brought together an array of traditional rulers, community and political leaders, and security officials to discuss the future of power distribution in these regions.
The gathering saw the presence of esteemed traditional rulers, including the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom HRH Oba Oluwasegun Akinyomi,the Kalasuwe of Apoi land HRH Oba Prof. Sunday Amuseghan,the Agadagba of Arogbo Kingdom HRH Z.D. Egbunu, the representative of the Olugbo of Ugbo HRH Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan,the Olu of Igbotako Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, the Apaka of Kiribo HRH Oba Ajayi Oduyi, and the Odoka of Ogbaro Oba Obafemi Ogbaro, among many others from across the two local government areas. Key political figures included Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, former NDDC Commissioner Dr. Ibukun Omotehinse, Hon. Nimbe Tawose, Engr. Benson Obayelu, and Hon. Oyebo Aladetan. The commanding officer of the Navy Base in Igbokoda and the Divisional Police Officer of Igbokoda division were also in attendance.
During the meeting, Hon. Otito Atikase expressed his gratitude to the contractor who supervised the electricity project Engr. Benson Obayelu for his dedication to the development of the Ilaje nation. He emphasized NDDC’s critical role in the electrification project, which included constructing the substation, rehabilitating the Igbokoda/Ugbonla transmission line, and distribution of prepaid meters to various communities.
Hon. Atikase appealed to stakeholders to protect the newly established electricity infrastructure from vandalism. In response, Engr. Obayelu urged Hon. Atikase to coordinate with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to ensure timely delivery of prepaid meters to residents who have already paid for them.
The OSOPADEC chairman, Hon. Sam Erejuwa,through his representative at the event announced that the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa has approved the provision of 1,000 prepaid meters for residents through OSOPADEC.
Concerns about the safety and timely energization of the new infrastructure were raised by the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo. He warned that delays by BEDC could expose the infrastructure to vandalism. Similarly, the Kalasuwe of Apoi land, Oba Prof. Sunday Amuseghan, questioned BEDC’s capacity to distribute power effectively and called for a meeting between the Ondo State government, NDDC, and BEDC to develop a robust power distribution plan.
Hon. Atikase assured stakeholders that the rehabilitation of distribution lines in Ilaje Constituency II axis would commence soon, as it is already included in the NDDC budget.
Engr. Obayelu concluded by thanking Hon. Atikase for his strategic role in restoring power to the area and facilitating the necessary payments for the construction of the power substation.
The meeting reinforces the collaborative effort needed to ensure stable and reliable electricity for the communities in Ilaje and Ese Odo,which marks a significant step forward in regional development.
Rotimi Oyeneyin
S.A. Media to the NDDC Commissioner
