Chief Signor Omang Idiege, the Ada Bekwarra has lauded the governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu for restoring electricity to the local government after over a decade of blackout for residents and indigenes.
Chief Idiege made the remarks when “Think Cross River” team visited him in Bekwarra, Ada Bekwarra who described Gov. Otu as a “God sent leader” expressed gratitude to the governor for keeping to his campaign promise.
During his campaign, aware that the local government has been plunged into darkness due to vandalism and crumbling power infrastructure for over a decade, Gov. Bassey Otu promised to restore light to the LGA when he becomes governor.
“I want to sincerely thank the governor, Sen. Bassey Otu. He is actually a God-sent leader at this particular point in time,” Chief Signor Idiege stated. He recalled leading a delegation of Bekwarra leaders to meet with the governor in April, where they prioritized the pressing issue of electricity.
“Our major concern was light,” he explained. “We also discussed health centers, water problems, and rural roads, but we emphasized that our priority is light.”
“Bekwarra was thrown into jubilation over this light issue. For several years, we have been in the dark. We know the importance of electricity; it impacts the economy, especially for artisans. If you are a welder, a carpenter, or a tailor, you rely on electricity to operate your machines. Hairdressers also need light for their work. This restoration improves the local economy, particularly given the high costs of diesel and fuel.”
Ada Bekwarra highlighted the struggles faced by local businesses due to the lack of electricity. “Many people trained their children through these businesses, but the absence of light has forced so many out of business. Yet, in just a year and a half, Bekwarra now has light.”
“This is a governor who truly cares about the people,” he continued. “Years ago, we were running from one official to another, even to the Minister of State for Power, but all our efforts were in vain. Now, we are finally having light.”
Engineer Innocent Inaku, the Branch Manager of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) overseeing the Central and Northern parts of Cross River State, also praised the governor’s efforts.
“Bekwarra has been in darkness for more than a decade,” Inaku explained. “The governor, His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu, directed the State Electrification Agency, led by Mr. Francis Ekpo, to develop a plan to reconnect and rehabilitate the power network in phases. That vision is now being realized.”
As part of the project’s first phase, six transformers have been provided in key locations across Bekwarra, including:
- Ijibor, by the roadside
- The Catholic Church, Ijibor
- Ugboro
- St. Augustine Primary School, Ukpa
- St Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ukpa
- Afrike Community
Two of the six transformers located at the Catholic Church in Ijibo and Ugboro have already been energized, bringing electricity back to parts of the community. However, the work is not without its challenges.
“After such a long time without power, there are bound to be network issues as we energize the transformers,” Inaku explained. “We’re addressing these issues in phases to ensure long term reliability. Another challenge is the lack of a local transmission station. We depend on the supply from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, which makes the process slower.”
“Despite these obstacles, the project is moving forward. Once the initial six transformers are fully operational, the next phase will extend power to communities such as Anyekam, Ibiaragidi, Begam, and Abuchiche”.
“It’s been too long,” says 58-year-old farmer Dominic Ochiche. “Our children grew up in darkness. This feels like a miracle. Governor Otu has shown that he cares about us, and we are grateful.”
For many in Bekwarra, this restoration of power is more than just the return of electricity, it’s a sign of progress, a rekindling of hope.
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