Benin City, Edo State - The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has successfully inaugurated a 1×15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Benin City, Edo State. This milestone is part of the Commission's efforts to enhance infrastructural development in the Niger Delta region.
At the commissioning ceremony, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to adhering to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to complete and commission all ongoing projects. "Today marks the second day in our series of project commissioning. On Saturday, we were in Abia State to commission the 9-kilometer Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road and flagged off the re-construction of Oke-Ikpe-Akwete-Ohambele Road, phase II," Ogbuku stated.
He emphasized that the NDDC's mission is to complement state governments' efforts and other federal agencies in driving development in the region. "We are here to celebrate success, as Mr. President has directed that every stalled project be completed and commissioned for the benefit of the people," he added.
Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the Commission's commitment to improving the living conditions of Niger Deltans by shifting from a transactional model to one focused on sustainable development and transformation. He praised the traditional rulers and leaders of the benefiting communities for protecting the project site and equipment from vandals and promised a contract for the reconstruction of the dilapidated road leading into Amufi community as a reward for their efforts.
Representing the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, at the event, Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, lauded the NDDC for its role in rural electrification and described Dr. Ogbuku as “Mr. Project of the Niger Delta region.” He assured enhanced security for all NDDC projects in Edo State.
NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai, noted that the new substation would boost productivity for local businesses and artisans. The project features a 15MVA, 33/11KV transformer, a 33KV 1250A SF6 circuit breaker, switchgear panels, a tripping unit, and a 1km 33KV high tension overhead line.
Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South Senatorial District underscored the transformative power of electricity, stating that it would significantly benefit the community by enhancing services and fostering development. Former Senator Matthew Urhoghide echoed these sentiments, highlighting the substantial impact on local development and access to electricity.
Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, Edo State Representative on the NDDC Governing Board, expressed satisfaction with the project's completion and urged the community to maintain the facility for the greater good. The traditional ruler of Amufi, Ohen Iyi-Ewuara Asenoguan, expressed gratitude to the NDDC and appealed for more infrastructural projects in the area.
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