By ELOHOR FOGHOLA
Residents of Omoja community in Ogharefe, Ethiope West Local Government, Delta State, have commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun John Nani for electrification of their communities after many years.
The residents could not hide their excitement and jubilation as they witnessed the installation of high-tension poles, which commenced yesterday. They described the project as a major, long-standing demand of the people, alongside the construction of the 3KM Omoja Road, which terminates at River Ethiope.
Speaking with some members of the community, the Vice Chairman of the Oghara Youth Association and a resident of the area, Comrade Ochuko Jagbade, described the electrification project as a “milestone achievement” that will improve the living standards of the people and boost small businesses.
“This electrification project is a major breakthrough for us. We have been without stable power for years, and now, thanks to the proactive leadership of Governor Oborevwori and the unwavering commitment of Olorogun John Nani, we can finally see a brighter future,” he said.
Another resident, Mr. Ometere, noted that the electrification of Omoja community would encourage more development. “We now have something to encourage our friends to complete and move into their houses in the area, as this project will help us to power our homes efficiently without the burden of fuel costs.
This project is not just about electricity; it is about youth empowerment and the massive development of the ‘Lekki of Oghara,’” he stated.
Similarly, Madam Rosemary, a teacher, lauded Governor Oborevwori’s administration for fulfilling a critical need of the people. “For years, we have lived in darkness, spending so much money on fuel and struggling to preserve food items.
This project has changed everything for us. We are grateful to the great Aghwemutuwevwi of Idjerhe Kingdom and especially Governor Sheriff for proving that they listen to the people and act swiftly,” she said.
On his part, Pa Michael Ebruphiyo, who has lived in the area for the past 15 years, stated, “This is what leadership is all about, addressing the needs of the people and bringing development to the grassroots. The Governor and Hon. Nani have both written their names in gold in the history of Omoja Community and indeed Oghara Kingdom.”
He praised the Governor’s proactive approach to infrastructure development. “Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury. We have endured years of hardship due to a lack of power, but this administration has proven that it is committed to making life better for the people. I wholeheartedly commend this great initiative, just as I commend the administration for bringing Julius Berger to construct multiple flyovers in Effurun and Warri.”
The facilitator of the project, Comrade Odiri Milton Sagboje, hailed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and DESOPADEC Chairman, Hon. John Nani for their decisive action in addressing the plight of the people of Omoja community.
He described the project as a reflection of the Governor’s MORE Agenda. It is a testament to Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style, one that listens, acts, and delivers. He has shown that governance is about impact, not empty promises.
The quick approval of this project proves that Governor Oborevwori is focused on real development, and Hon. Nani has demonstrated once again that he is truly the Aghwemutuwevwi of Urhobo, who never forgets his people,” Sagboje stated.
He noted that this was not the first time Hon. Nani had intervened in the development of Omoja. “Hon. Nani’s dedication to the well-being of the Omoja people is unparalleled.
In 2022/2023, he facilitated the desilting of our natural waterway to mitigate flooding and constructed a box culvert across the Omoja Waterway at the Ofarami axis. Now, with the electrification project, he has reaffirmed his commitment to our progress, and we are most grateful for his continuous concern for our plight.”
He called on residents to continue supporting the government, stating that Governor Oborevwori and Olorogun Nani have proven to be leaders of action. “No doubt, these are leaders who are working for the people, and as we enjoy this new development, we must remain united in our support for this government to attract even more progress to Omoja-Oghara,” he added.
Meanwhile, the contractor handling the electrification project, Engr. Ibrahim, assured residents that the first phase of the project would be completed on schedule. “We understand the importance of this project to the people of Omoja Community, and I can confidently assure you that we are working tirelessly to ensure timely completion.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will deliver the first phase, which involves stringing 2.2 kilometers of high-tension poles and cables/conductors from No-Tension Junction along Kpateghe Road, Ogharefe, through No-Tension Road into Omoja-Oghara Community, as planned so that, the second phase which is the installation of a 500KVA transformer and the distribution of electricity within the community can commence immediately for residents to enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply,”
