Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida, former member of the House of Representatives from Akure South/North federal constituency, has commended the moves embarked upon by the Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe, to complete the power transmission substation project located at Owode, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
Reacting to the development, Adesida also thanked Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for creating the new ministry of energy and minerals resources and appointing a well-qualified person to head the ministry.
The installation of the 330/132/33kV | 2x150MVA transmission substation in Akure was influenced by Adesida when he represented Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in the sixth National Assembly.
The substation was completed in 2017 but since then, it has not been energised for the use of the people of Ondo and Ekiti states.
The former lawmaker said he was extremely delighted that the moves were being made to complete the project so that the people of the state would benefit from one of the fruits of his representation.
Obe and other top officials of his ministry on Thursday inspected the project.
The commissioner had earlier had a business meeting with the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) with a view to resolving all issues hindering early completion of the project.
It was revealed at the meeting that the major issue against the early completion and energising of the Akure substation was the resistance by owners of landed property along the established routes of the transmission lines.
A joint team of officials from the ministry and TCN was set up to identify and assess trouble spots along the right of way of the project to ensure amicable resolutions.
After inspecting the project and areas with way leave issues, Obe promised to engage the land owners with vigour to end the challenges.
When completed, the 55MW supply to the state from Osogbo would increase to over 200MW, a development expected to ensure power stability for Ondo and Ekiti states.
Commending the commissioner’s moves, Adesida said: “I must say that I am extremely happy with Razaq Obe. We must thank Governor Akeredolu for creating the ministry and fishing out this young man to head it.
“I deployed my influence in the sixth National Assembly to ensure that the project was sited in my federal constituency. I have been wondering why the project has not been completed so that our people would start enjoying this giant fruit of my representation.
“With the latest efforts of Obe and his ministry, I hope the project will be completed and energised for our use. Let’s continue to pray for Obe and other members of his team in the ministry.”
