Nine years in darkness end as Otti restores electricity to 33 Abia communities

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has restored electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, ending nearly nine years of prolonged blackout in the oil-producing axis of the state.

The power restoration was carried out by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC) under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, in fulfilment of the governor’s pledge to the communities in March 2025.

Performing the power switch-on ceremony on Monday at Central Primary School, Obehie, Governor Otti—who arrived at the venue in the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle electric bus with members of his cabinet—said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and justice for neglected communities.

The governor also recalled his earlier promise to investigate the case of Mr Promise Onwukwe, confirming that the affected official had since been reinstated.

Otti urged residents to take collective responsibility for protecting the electricity infrastructure against vandalism and theft.

“I believe we have a responsibility to protect what belongs to our community. Nobody can do it better than you. Those who vandalise these facilities do not come from heaven; they are part of the community,” he said.

Responding to concerns over high electricity bills following the restoration, the governor directed key stakeholders to meet and work out a framework to support vulnerable residents.

“That is how society works. I will give an assignment to the Mayor to sit with the Honourable Member, the Commissioner and other relevant stakeholders to find ways to support those who may not be able to pay,” Otti added.

Speaking at the event, the lawmaker representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, praised the Otti administration’s performance, assuring that the governor would enjoy overwhelming electoral support from Ukwa West in 2027.

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the project involved the rehabilitation of 30 transformer distribution substations, installation of 12 new transformers, restoration of 34 kilometres of high-tension lines, and 3.5 kilometres of low-tension lines.

He added that the benefiting communities were being metered to ensure effective billing, stressing that electricity remains central to Abia State’s development strategy.

Also speaking, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aba Power Limited, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, assured residents of steady power supply, noting that Ukwa West falls within the nine local government areas supported by Aba Power.

He confirmed the deployment of 33 transformers and multiple distribution lines, adding that electricity to the area would be generated outside the national grid. He also appealed to residents to curb vandalism and energy theft.

Earlier, the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Rev. Joshua Onyeike, described the restoration of electricity to Asa land as historic and fulfilling.

“It is with joy that we have come to switch on the light His Excellency promised us on March 11, 2025. Today marks the beginning of many good things that will follow,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; former Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Ralph Egbu, among others.