Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has flagged off a comprehensive Rural Electrification Programme aimed at bringing sustainable electricity to rural and semi-urban communities across the State.
The programme, which is already underway, is transforming the lives of residents by powering up communities that have endured decades of darkness. According to the State Government, this initiative is helping to revive local economies, reduce rural-urban migration, and boost access to clean and reliable energy.
Spearheaded by the Edo State Electrification Agency (ESEA), the electrification programme aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s campaign promises to “restore dignity to rural communities.”
The State’s strategy involves leveraging the national grid, independent power generation, and renewable energy such as solar mini-grids to provide widespread electricity coverage.
A key enabler of this transformation is the recently signed Edo State Electricity Law, which deregulates the power sector within the State and creates a clear legal path for private-sector investment and local power generation.
“Before now, Edo was limited by national regulations. With this new law, we have our own electricity commission, empowered to license, regulate, and attract investments in generation and distribution. This is not just reform. It is a revolution,” said Hon. Egbadon Saturday, Director-General of the Edo State Electrification Agency.
Advanced negotiations are already in progress with several independent power providers. At least one company is expected to commence local generation and distribution within the coming months, significantly reducing Edo’s reliance on the overstretched national grid.
The electrification roll-out has already reached several underserved areas. Communities in Edo Central Senatorial District, including Ibore, Atuagbo, Ugbaro, and Ikilor, have been reconnected to power.
For Ikilor village, this marked the first time in history that residents had access to electricity, a moment that many described as emotional and life-changing.
Governor Okpebholo’s approach also includes sustainability and long-term planning through public-private partnerships. These partnerships are designed to ensure that projects continue well beyond the current administration.
“We are building systems that outlast personalities. Private investors are part of the architecture to guarantee expansion and maintenance,” Egbadon stated.
Security of infrastructure is also a priority. The State is battling electricity infrastructure vandalism with a combination of legal enforcement, community sensitization, and collaboration with youth and local leaders.
“This infrastructure belongs to the people. We are urging communities to protect what is theirs. Vandalism is sabotage against progress, and we are enforcing laws that will bring offenders to justice,” Egbadon added.
The Government is also tackling issues of metering and billing, which have historically sparked complaints across many Nigerian communities. Under Governor Okpebholo’s directive, no household will be connected to power without a meter.
To ensure this, the State is leveraging the National Mass Metering Programme and collaborating with local manufacturers. The new policy mandates that prepaid meters must be delivered within 10 working days after payment.
“In every newly electrified village, full metering will be completed before the end of the month,” said Egbadon.
The electrification agenda is a central part of the Governor’s wider plan to ensure inclusive development across Edo State. The vision is clear: every ward and community, regardless of location, should feel the impact of government projects, especially in the energy sector.
Residents are encouraged to join in the campaign by safeguarding public facilities, cooperating with energy providers, and reporting any acts of vandalism or misuse. The Edo State Government affirms its commitment to transparency, energy equity, and infrastructural growth that touches all parts of society.
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