Abia gov restores power to 33 communities after nine-year blackout

Abia State's Governor, Alex Otti, has reinstated electricity for 33 communities located in the Ukwa West Local Government Area, effectively concluding a nine-year period devoid of power and attention in these oil-rich areas.

The initiative to restore power was carried out by the Abia State Government via the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, overseen by the Abia State Ministry of Power and Public Utilities, fulfilling a commitment made by the Governor to the residents in March 2025.

During the ceremony to turn on the power held at Central Primary School in Obehie on Monday, Otti—who arrived on-site in the newly introduced Abia Green Shuttle electric bus with his cabinet members—reminded everyone of his pledge to bring electricity back to the communities as well as to investigate the situation involving Mr. Promise Onwukwe, who he confirmed has resumed his duties as promised.

Otti urged the Ukwa community to safeguard the power infrastructure and ensure it remains undisturbed.

He stated, “We share the obligation to look after what belongs to our neighborhood.

“No one is better suited for this than you. Those who steal do not descend from the sky; they are all part of our community.”

In response to concerns regarding the need for subsidies on elevated electricity costs following the power restoration, Otti instructed that certain stakeholders convene to seek a resolution.

“This is how society operates. I will assign the Mayor to collaborate with the Honourable Member, the Commissioner, and other capable individuals to devise a plan to assist those who are struggling to pay,” he remarked.

In his comments, Hon. Godwin Adiele, representing Ukwa West State Constituency, pointed out that the administration under Otti has performed admirably in a brief time and expressed confidence that the Governor would receive electoral support from Ukwa West in 2027.

Punchng