The Commissioner for Rural Development, Pastor Oyong Asuqo has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment towards the electrification of rural communities in Akwa Ibom State.

Pastor Asuquo was speaking during an inspection visit to Odio in Onna Local Government Area.
The Commissioner who was in the company of the Special Adviser on Public Service matters, Mr. Sunny Akpadiaha, an indigene of the area, maintained that Governor Akpabio’s administration is poised towards life enhancement of its citizens, assuring the people of Odio that in no distant time electricity will be restored to the area as well as more dividends of democracy, and solicit for their continuous support to the State Government.

During the inspection, Pastor Asuquo advised the contractor to transfer the existing low tension lines to the newly constructed high tension poles and use the low tension poles for extension of electricity to other areas of the village. He also saw the need for two additional transformer substations and promised to provide same for adequate and sufficient power to the area.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Public Service Matters, Mr. Akpadiaha, said he is very proud of the laudable achievements of Governor Akpabio’s administration. He thanked the State Government and the Ministry of Rural Development for their untiring effort to restore electricity in Odio community and pledged his people’s unalloyed support to Governor Akpabio.

In his vote of thanks, his Permanent Secretary, Engr, Akpabio Utin expressed gratitude to Mr. Akpadiaha for playing host to the team. He advised the indigenes to avoid planting around the lines so as to avoid disruption of power, they are also to clear the bush surrounding the network and substations. Engr. Utin therefore called for prompt payment of electricity bills and the protection of the facilities from vandalization.

Responding on behalf of the indigenes in the area, Mr. Ini Udoh Johnny, youths president, thanked the State Governor, Chief Akpabio for the provision of the facilities in the area and reiterated the people’s resolve to stand by him, come 2011.

Also in the Commissioner’s entourage were the Director of Electrical in the Ministry, Engr. Peter Udobang, Site Engineers and other staff of the Ministry of Rural Development.