The Federal Government has formally handed over the site for the installation of a 63MVA power transformer and an associated 132kV double-circuit transmission line in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, to the contractor, with an assurance that six local government areas in the state will enjoy improved power supply upon completion.

The project, facilitated by the senator representing Osun Central, Olubiyi Fadeyi, is expected to be completed within 14 months.

Speaking at the symbolic site handover ceremony on Tuesday, the Managing Director of the Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, whose address was read by the Coordinator of Transmission Lines, Abuja, Leo Ogwu, said the project represented another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure and improve power delivery capacity.

Anuwe, who emphasised that the project must translate into tangible progress and positively impact residents’ lives, said the contractor must demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, technical competence and commitment to the approved project schedule.

He said, “This important occasion marks the official handover of the site for the installation of a 63MVA power transformer and the associated 132kV double circuit transmission line.

“The installation of this 63MVA transformer and the associated transmission line is a strategic investment in expanding our transmission infrastructure. It is expected to enhance transformation capacity, improve network flexibility, accommodate growing electricity demand and contribute to improved power supply within Ila-Orangun and neighbouring communities.

“Beyond its technical significance, this project represents an investment in economic growth, industrial development and an improved quality of life for our people. Quality assurance, compliance with engineering specifications, and strict adherence to health, safety and environmental standards must remain non-negotiable throughout the execution period,” Anuwe said.

He acknowledged and commended Fadeyi for facilitating the project, adding that the Transmission Company of Nigeria, contractors, consultants and other relevant stakeholders had also contributed to bringing it to the execution stage.

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Speaking with journalists at the event, Fadeyi commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the project, adding that former Osun State Governor, Adebisi Akande, also played a prominent role in making the initiative a reality.

Fadeyi said the project was designed to serve six local government areas: Ila, Ifedayo, Boluwaduro, Boripe, Odo-Otin and Ifelodun. He noted that communities in the areas would be moved to Band A and receive more than 20 hours of electricity daily.

Recalling how the project was conceived, Fadeyi said, “We started this journey in 2024, and it took us two years to get to this point. The former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the current Minister, Joseph Tegbe, were tremendously helpful. Also, our father, Chief Bisi Akande, endorsed the project, and he ensured that he did his best for the project to materialise. This is a mega project, and it is going to take a 14-month duration, after which Ila-Orangun will be on Band A upon completion.

“We will also have substation injection in other areas. So, all six local governments, Ila, Ifedayo, Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ifelodun and Odo-Otin, will start to enjoy electricity fully in the next 14 months. Power is very essential. In this area, in the past 20 years, we have had no stable electricity, but after the completion of this project, we will be on Band A, and we will be on a 33kV line.

“I want to give kudos to Mr President for the approval of this project. By next week, work will start fully on the project. By December, we will give out forms to our constituents to fill in order for them to get free prepaid meters. The first phase will be 1,000 prepaid meters. We will also have the second and third phases,” Fadeyi said.

In separate remarks, the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi, commended Fadeyi and the Federal Government for the project, calling for its completion within the scheduled period.

Oba Abolarin said regular power supply would give artisans and other residents across the six benefiting local government areas a new lease of life. He urged all stakeholders to ensure that the project was delivered on schedule and to the expected standard.

Source: Punch · Bola Bamigbola

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