Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans by his administration to decentralize electricity supply in the state, a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing reliance on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
The governor made this known while addressing participants at the 52nd Annual Convention of the Uromi Community Association of Nigeria (UCAN), held at the Uromi City Hall in Esan North-East Local Government Area.
According to him, the persistent challenge of inadequate electricity supply has continued to hinder economic activities and affect livelihoods across Edo State. He stressed that his government is committed to providing sustainable solutions to the problem.
“We are putting modalities in place to decentralize power and ensure our people are no longer dependent on BEDC. Electricity is critical to development, and we must fix it,” Okpebholo said.
He disclosed that his administration has already flagged off a 100-megawatt power project in Benin City, adding that a similar 100-megawatt project will be established in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The governor explained that the projects are part of a broader strategy to ensure stable electricity supply across the state’s three senatorial districts, including Edo Central and Edo North (Afemai).
Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to equitable development, noting that his administration is focused on executing projects that will positively impact the lives of Edo residents.
“I am in office to serve Edo people, and we will continue to implement projects that improve their quality of life,” he added.
He also attributed the achievements recorded by his administration within its first year to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence in mobilizing support for the president ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor further criticized the immediate past administration led by Godwin Obaseki, accusing it of commissioning uncompleted projects before leaving office. He cited the Stella Obasanjo Hospital as one of such projects, noting that the current government is investing significant resources to complete it.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ojuromi of Uromi, His Royal Highness Anselm Edenojie II, appealed to the governor to address key developmental challenges in Edo Central, particularly the abandoned Ahojie Township Stadium project.
The monarch emphasized the importance of sports infrastructure in youth development, economic growth, and community engagement.
In addition, Okpebholo highlighted ongoing efforts to boost power generation in the state, referencing the groundbreaking of a 100MW power plant and a 300-metric-ton-per-day LNG facility at the Taihu Industrial Park in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
He assured residents that similar projects would be replicated in Edo Central as part of his administration’s plan to strengthen the state’s energy capacity.
The statement was issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.
