Community Says Project Facilitated by Late Engr. Suleiman Aladie Remains Uncompleted Since 2021, Seeks Urgent Intervention to Revive Electricity Supply
The Ibolo Community Welfare Initiative (ICWI) has appealed to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, federal and state lawmakers, and other relevant stakeholders to intervene in the completion of a 15MVA power transformer project at Offa Grammar School, Offa, which has remained uncommissioned since 2021.
The initiative said the completion of the project would significantly improve electricity supply to communities across Offa and parts of neighbouring local government areas, while supporting businesses, educational institutions and other economic activities.
In an open letter addressed to the governor and other stakeholders, the group explained that the transformer and its building were already in place, with installation, energisation and commissioning remaining outstanding.
How the Project Began
The initiative explained that the transformer project was facilitated by the late Engr. Suleiman Aladie, who worked at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) alongside Engr. Bolakale Kawu, the Peoples Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate.
However, the project could not be completed as initially projected before Aladie’s death, leaving the community hopeful that the remaining work would eventually be carried out.
The group is now appealing to the state government and relevant authorities to help bring the project to completion in honour of the original objective of improving electricity supply to the area.
Appeals Made to Government and Political Representatives
According to the initiative, several appeals have been made to government agencies and political representatives in a bid to secure the completion of the project.
The group said the appeal letter was also sent to Hon. Adato, the member representing the Offa Ibolo constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly and the state’s APC deputy governorship candidate.
The former representative of the constituency, Hon. J.K., was also copied in the appeal, alongside other stakeholders.
The initiative further disclosed that Senator Lola Ashiru had indicated that the transformer project was captured in the budget, raising hopes that the outstanding work would eventually be completed.
However, the group said the transformer had yet to be commissioned, despite the previous engagements and appeals.
It also said it had contacted the Rural Electrification Agency, the Kwara State Commissioner for Energy and other relevant stakeholders, but the desired intervention had yet to materialise.
The initiative is therefore renewing its appeal to Governor AbdulRazaq and all concerned officials to help resolve the situation.
Old Transformers Struggle to Meet Demand
The group explained that the 15MVA transformer was designed to provide relief to two existing 7.5MVA transformers reportedly installed in 1963.
According to the initiative, the ageing equipment has struggled to meet electricity demand, contributing to prolonged power outages across several communities.
It estimated that about 70 per cent of Offa and parts of Oyun Local Government Areas have been affected by unreliable electricity supply, with some locations reportedly receiving only a few hours of electricity daily.
Education and Businesses Among the Worst Affected
The initiative expressed concern over the impact of the electricity crisis on educational institutions, students, small businesses and industries.
Institutions identified by the group as being affected include the University of Offa, Summit University, Lens University in Ilemona, Lens Polytechnic, Graceland Polytechnic, Pan African College of Education, Pan African College of Health Technology, Kwara State College of Health Technology and the Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences.
The group said unreliable electricity had made learning and other academic activities more challenging for students, particularly those living in hostels and off-campus accommodation.
It also warned that small and medium-scale enterprises were struggling with the cost of alternative power sources, with some businesses reportedly relocating to other towns.
Communities Await Relief
The transformer is expected to serve numerous communities and locations, including Idi-Ogun, Iyana Osunte, Iyana Essa, Ogidiri, Oja-Oba, Ita-Erin, Popo Road, the Offa Grammar School area, Summit University area, and several settlements across Oyun, Irepodun and Asa local government areas.
The initiative believes that commissioning the transformer would provide significant relief to residents, improve business activities and support educational development.
The group also acknowledged recent government interventions involving transformer replacement in Igbaja and distribution transformers for Oro-Ago and surrounding communities, expressing hope that Offa would receive similar attention.
A Call for Collective Intervention
The President of the Ibolo Community Welfare Initiative, Engr. Tajudeen Iwalola, and its Secretary, Shehu Olanrewaju, urged the state government, the Rural Electrification Agency, Senator Lola Ashiru, members of the National Assembly and the Kwara State House of Assembly to work together towards completing the project.
The initiative stressed that its appeal was not intended to apportion blame but to draw attention to an important infrastructure project whose completion could improve the lives of thousands of residents.
It also pledged the community’s support for any steps necessary to facilitate the installation, energisation and commissioning of the transformer.
The group expressed hope that the relevant authorities would give the project the necessary attention and ensure that the original objective of improving electricity supply to Offa and neighbouring communities is achieved.
For residents and businesses in Ibolo land, completing the transformer would represent more than an infrastructure milestone; it would offer renewed hope for better electricity supply, stronger economic activity and improved learning conditions.
