By The Metro 
The Ondo State Government has begun the first phase of distributing electricity transformers to communities across its three senatorial districts, in a move to reduce power outages and improve supply.
The Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, made the announcement during the official handover ceremony held at the Ministry’s premises in Akure, where representatives of beneficiary communities were present.
Alabi said the deployment of 15 transformers of varying capacities, including 100KVA x 11KV/415V, 300KVA x 11KV/415V and 500KVA x 11KV and 33KV/415V, reflects Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” development agenda, which places energy at the centre of economic and social growth. He assured residents that installation would begin without delay.
“This intervention will be implemented in phases. The second phase will commence soon, and the exercise will continue until our objective of building a more efficient and reliable electricity sector across Ondo State is achieved,” he said.
General Manager of the Ondo State Electricity Board, Engr. Akin Ogunmakinwa, said communities across the state had submitted more than 400 requests for transformers. He disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved distributions in phases, beginning with 15 communities in the first batch.
“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency for responding to the yearnings of the people and making this intervention a reality,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Prof. Michael Bamidele expressed profound gratitude to God for the successful occasion and commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his responsiveness to the needs of the people. He also praised Alabi for his dedication to improving electricity supply and urged communities yet to benefit to remain hopeful, saying he was confident subsequent phases would reach them.
Communities represented at the ceremony included NSCDC Community, Oda Road, Akure; Moferere Community, Ipinlere Road, Odode Idanre; Ijigba III, Olasipe Layout, Off Oda Road, Akure; Oluwafemi Quarters, Off Aule Road, Akure; and Oluwatedo Community, Off FUTA North Gate, Akure.
Also present were Hon. Stephen Abitogun, representing Akure South II Constituency on behalf of the Chairman of the House Committee on Electricity, Hon. Tope Komolafe, alongside officials of the Ondo State Electricity Board.