…Gbajabamila says Tinubu allocates over N340bn in 2024 budget for power sector infrastructure revamp
Oredola Adeola
The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has inaugurated the first 20 MVA Injection Substation in Nigeria, dedicated to addressing power rationing and intermittent outages that have plagued Surulere and its surrounding areas.
The grand unveiling of the injection station, which was facilitated by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, took place on Saturday, March 16, 2024, Randle Mechanic Village, situated off Randle Avenue in Surulere, Lagos.
Advisors Reports also confirmed that the site for the substation was donated to the EKEDC by the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Transport.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District stated that the commissioning of the Randle 2 X 20 MVA Injection marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for our beloved people and the nation.
According to him, the collaboration between EKEDC, alongside other stakeholders, has demonstrated what can be achieved when public and private entities join forces with a shared purpose.
The CoS to Tinubu said, “One of the two units of the 20MVA Injection substation was facilitated during my tenure as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives to restate further our commitment to the improvement of electricity supply in our community.
Gbajabiamila in his remark also commended the automobile technicians of Randle Mechanic Village for their understanding and cooperation in allowing us to put this facility in a section of their workshop.
He further stated that the Randle Injection Substation’s significance extends far beyond its physical presence, representing progress, empowerment, and the promise of a brighter future for the residents of Surulere and beyond.
Gbajabiamila said, “With enhanced capacity and reliability, this substation will alleviate the burden of power shortages and catalyze socio-economic development in the constituency.
He therefore emphasised that the injection substation is expected to improve power supply to my people in Surulere.
The Chief of Staff to the President said, “President Bola Tinubu was pleased about this public–private sector partnership between the Federal Government and Eko Distribution company. We owe this dividend of democracy to Mr. President.
According to him, the President Tinubu’s administration has shown its dedication to solving the power supply challenges of Nigeria from the get-go with the signing of the 2023 Electricity Act just days into taking over the reins of power of our country.
“Stakeholders and professionals have been engaged to achieve our dream of attaining a 24/7, uninterrupted power supply in our nation.
He mentioned that President Tinubu’s administration is in constant interface with the stakeholders in the power sector towards addressing the multifaceted challenges impeding the stable supply of electricity.
He therefore noted that the President has made an allocation of over N340 billion in the 2024 budget towards improving infrastructure in the power sector.
“President Tinubu is also concerned about cases of energy theft, estimated billing and stealing of power infrastructure.
“Citizens must protect power infrastructure in their various communities as we expect the electricity distribution companies to address cases of estimated billing and poor meter distribution.
Gbajabiamila further emphasised that access to reliable electricity is not a privilege, adding that it is a fundamental right that drives productivity, fosters innovation, and improves the quality of life for all citizens.
Oritsedere Otubu, Board Chairman, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in his statement said, revealed that the injection substation is a critical infrastructure project that is set to unleash an extra 40 MVA of power for Surulere Constituency and its neighbouring communities.
Otubu credited the substantial rise in power capacity that will be witnessed in Surulere and its surroundings to the collective desire of the residents, which according to him, was further fueled by the collaborative efforts of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and EKEDC.
According to him, it is often said that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Indeed, this aphorism is a testament to the importance of “light” in our daily endeavours.
He emphasised that electricity brings happiness, joy and growth and development, and positive economic development.
The EKEDC’s Board Chairman said, “I am always excited to see the happiness that glorifies the faces of absolutely every Nigerian any time power is restored to homes and businesses.
“That scene is enough motivation, especially when you are an advocate of happiness and improving the lives of people, to do more regarding improving the quality of lives and entrenching happiness.
“EKEDC being an advocate of improving the quality of lives of Lagosians, is positioned to not only ensure that this thread of happiness continues, but also, that it is sustained,” he said.
Otubu further revealed that over the years, it has been a tale of instability in power supply, with blames and accusations heating the polity.
He said, “I am sure the residents of Surulere Constituency can very well relate to this. Most times, it seems as though happiness has been cut short given the compulsion to resort to alternative power supply resources to drive the daily activities.
“As the distribution company serving the axis, we are mostly faced with these issues.
“I must respectfully recognise and acknowledge the passion of the Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila towards his constituents and his vision seeing that they are afforded the necessary amenities to make living worthwhile. It is this passion that has informed the collaboration resulting in the construction of this infrastructure.
Otubu further commended the investors at EKEDP, the company’s Board members and the Management for the resilience in ensuring that the project is given the much-needed attention it deserves.
According to him, from conception to completion, the speed is commendable.
He said, “Indeed, our efforts in ensuring that this project is commissioned today will bring about happiness for the good people of Surulere Constituency and Lagosians at large.
He also thanked the people of Surulere for their steadfastness, tenacity and patience, assuring that the management of EKEDP stands for improving the quality of lives of its customers by providing reliable, sustainable and safe electricity supply.
Otubu emphasised that the provision of sustainable electricity is our commitment to all our customers, assuring that the injection substation will help us to meet with this commitment to the good people of Surulere and Lagosians.
The EKEDP Board Chairman therefore urged the residents of the Surulere Community to see this infrastructure and all other distribution infrastructure within the environs as theirs.
According to him, the happiness you feel when power supply is restored can only be sustained when these infrastructures are up and running.
He said, “As such, power equipment should be protected and not vandalized. They should be guarded jealously to ensure that we are able to meet with our commitment to you.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr. Gbenga Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of residents in Surulere and its environs not vandalizing the power station or engaging in activities that could jeopardize the future partnership between the DisCo and the Government.
The Lagos State Governor emphasized the importance of prompt bill payment, discouraging meter bypass, and promoting a respectful attitude towards electricity workers in Surulere.
These actions, according to Sanwoolu are crucial for maintaining a reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the area and its surroundings.
