After more than two years without public electricity, residents of Opete Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have received a major boost with the donation of a brand-new 500KVA transformer by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Community Development, Olorogun Oscar Ishaka.
The arrival of the transformer sparked jubilation among residents, who trooped out to welcome the equipment as it entered the community late at night.
The community had been plunged into darkness for over two years following the breakdown of its transformer, a situation that severely affected economic activities and disrupted the daily lives of residents.
Traders, artisans and other small business operators were particularly affected, as many were forced to depend on generators and other expensive sources of electricity to sustain their businesses.
Presenting the transformer to the community leadership, Ishaka, who is also the Okoke of Udu Kingdom and a former President of Opete Community, said he personally purchased the transformer because of his concern over the prolonged power outage and its impact on the people.
He said the intervention was part of his commitment to the development of Opete and an effort to support the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori.
Ishaka urged the community leadership and residents to protect the transformer against vandalism and ensure that it is properly maintained for the benefit of the entire community.
He also called on the people to embrace peace and unity, stressing that collective efforts remained essential to achieving sustainable development in Opete.
The Senior Special Assistant commended Governor Oborevwori for developmental projects across the community, particularly the ongoing construction of Opete Road.
He further expressed appreciation to the governor for providing him with the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of his community.
The President of Opete Community, Comrade Sunny Jivwie, and his Vice President, Prince Ojays Fuludu, described the transformer donation as a major relief after years of hardship.
They commended Ishaka for what they described as his genuine commitment to the welfare and development of the community, while also acknowledging the governor’s appointment of community-focused individuals into positions where they could contribute to grassroots development.
The community leadership expressed optimism that the restoration of electricity would revive commercial activities, reduce the burden of generator expenses and improve the standard of living of residents.
For local artisans, the intervention could also mark the beginning of a new economic chapter.
A tailor in the community, who had purchased an electric sewing machine more than two years ago, said the prolonged blackout had prevented her from putting the equipment to use.
With the arrival of the transformer, she expressed hope of restarting full-scale operations, expanding her tailoring business and improving her income.
Other traders and artisans similarly welcomed the development, saying regular electricity would significantly reduce their operating costs and create room for businesses to grow.
The event ended with a prayer session by members of the Opete Christian Movement, led by Apostle Fred Kator, who committed the transformer, the community and the restoration of electricity into God’s hands.