Edo State Government Launches Ambitious Rural Electrification Programme

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has launched a far-reaching Rural Electrification Programme designed to break the cycle of infrastructure neglect and power deprivation in rural and semi-urban communities. This bold initiative aims to light up communities, revitalize local economies, and reshape the narrative of development across the state.



The programme, spearheaded by the Edo State Electrification Agency (ESEA), represents a critical component of the Governor's campaign promises to restore dignity to rural communities, stem rural-urban migration, and stimulate economic development at the grassroots level. The State Government's mission is to deliver electricity across all strata of the state: urban, semi-urban, and rural through a blend of national grid access, independent power generation, and renewable energy sources, such as solar mini-grids.

At the heart of this transformation lies the Edo State Electricity Law, recently signed by Governor Okpebholo, which deregulates the state's electricity sector and provides a legal framework for private-sector participation, investment, and localized energy solutions. This law empowers the Edo State Electricity Commission to license, regulate, and attract investments in generation and distribution, paving the way for a revolution in the state's electricity sector.

The electrification initiative is being rolled out rapidly across under-served communities. Several villages in Edo Central Senatorial District, including Ibore, Atuagbo, Ugbaro, and Ikilor, have been reconnected to the grid after decades of darkness. In the case of Ikilor, the village received electricity for the first time in its history, marking an emotional and historic milestone.

The Governor's strategy is anchored not only on delivery but also on sustainability. The administration is actively engaging public-private partnerships to ensure the continuity of projects beyond the current government. The government is also intensifying efforts against vandalism, a recurring challenge, through widespread community sensitization, legal enforcement, and collaboration with local leaders and youth groups.

The administration has taken a firm stance on metering and billing transparency. In response to longstanding complaints over estimated billing, the state government has mandated that no household will be connected to power without a meter. Through the national Mass Metering Programme and partnerships with local manufacturers, the delivery of meters is now capped at 10 working days post-payment.

The electrification drive is a central pillar in Governor Okpebholo's broader vision of inclusive growth, where infrastructure serves the people, and development is felt across every ward and community, not just urban centers. The Edo State Government calls on all citizens to embrace this transformation by protecting public infrastructure, supporting local development, and reporting acts of sabotage or non-compliance.


Share Your Thoughts


What do you think about the Edo State Government's Rural Electrification Programme? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. How do you think this programme will impact the lives of residents in rural and semi-urban communities? What are the potential benefits and challenges of this initiative, and how can it be sustained in the long term?

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