Alex Otti electricity restoration project ends nine-year blackout in 33 Ukwa West communities, boosting development and promising continuous power supply
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has restored electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, ending nearly a decade of blackout and neglect in the oil-rich region.
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The Alex Otti electricity restoration project was executed by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, supervised by the Abia State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, fulfilling a promise made by the Governor in March 2025.
The power switch-on ceremony took place at Central Primary School, Obehie, with Governor Otti arriving in the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle electric bus alongside members of his cabinet.
He recalled his pledge to restore electricity and reinstate Mr Promise Onwukwe, who has now returned to service as promised.
“I believe that we have a responsibility to protect what is in our community. Nobody can do it better than you. And those thieves do not come from heaven. They are all part and parcel of the community,” Otti told residents, urging them to safeguard the electricity infrastructure.
Responding to calls for subsidised electricity bills, the Governor instructed stakeholders to meet and find ways to support those unable to pay.
Hon. Godwin Adiele, representing Ukwa West State Constituency, praised the Otti administration’s achievements, expressing confidence that the Governor would be rewarded with votes in 2027.
Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, outlined the technical aspects of the project, which included rehabilitating 30 transformer distribution substations, installing 12 new transformers, restoring 34 kilometres of high-tension lines and 3.5 kilometres of low-tension lines. Benefiting communities are now being metered for effective billing.
Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, Chairman and CEO of Aba Power Limited, assured residents of continuous electricity supply.
He confirmed that the area received 33 transformers and multiple distribution lines, adding that power would be generated independently of the national grid, and appealed to residents to prevent vandalism and energy theft.
The General Manager of ASOPADEC, Rev. Joshua Onyeike, described the restoration as significant, saying it inaugurated many great prospects for the communities.
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The event was attended by key government officials, including Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioners Philemon Ogbonna and Prince Okey Kanu, former Secretary to the State Government Pastor Ralph Egbu, and other notable dignitaries.
