The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs) Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has delivered a major infrastructural boost to the Efandion community in Esan North-East Local Government Area with the commissioning of a brand-new 500 KVA ABB transformer.
The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, attracted community leaders, youth groups, market women, and residents who gathered to celebrate the long-awaited return of stable electricity to their area.
Hon. Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North-East Constituency II, said the project marks a major step towards improving social welfare and unlocking economic growth in the community. According to her, the installation of the 500KVA transformer is not just a power supply intervention, but a symbol of hope and progress for the people of Efandion.
While addressing the crowd during the ceremony, she noted that the role of electricity in driving economic activities and improving quality of life cannot be overstated. She explained that small and medium-scale enterprises in the community have suffered from lack of power, which has crippled productivity and raised the cost of doing business.
“Electricity is life. It drives commerce, supports education, improves health services and enhances security. I am happy to be part of a project that directly touches the lives of my people,” she said.
She further added, “This transformer is only the beginning. More development projects will follow. Our goal is to ensure that every ward in Esan North-East Constituency II benefits from meaningful infrastructure that makes daily life easier.”
The new transformer was installed along Efandion Road, a stretch that had suffered blackout for years, leaving many homes, schools, and businesses dependent on expensive generators or in complete darkness.
Community members could not hide their joy. For many, the project is a huge relief after years of power struggles. The installation of the transformer now promises improved living conditions, especially for artisans, welders, barbers, cold-room operators, and local traders who heavily rely on electricity for daily survival.
At the event, Mr. Osaro Ibhadon, a youth leader in the community, commended the former deputy speaker for fulfilling her promise. “For years we have been in darkness. Businesses were shutting down, people were frustrated. But today, Mama Maria has brought light back to Efandion. We are very grateful,” he said.
Another resident, Madam Grace Edokpayi, a food vendor, explained how the power outage had affected her food business. “I had to close my shop early most days because I couldn’t preserve my soup or meat. Now with this transformer, things will change,” she said.
The event was marked by traditional dances, cultural displays, and prayers of gratitude offered by religious and traditional leaders for the lawmaker’s intervention.
Hon. Oligbi-Edeko, who has served as Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues in Edo State, used the opportunity to reaffirm her commitment to grassroots development, women empowerment, and social inclusion. She called on other elected leaders to prioritise constituency projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary people.
“The essence of public office is service. When leaders connect with the people and deliver projects that solve real problems, trust is built, and progress becomes inevitable,” she added.
As power returned to the community, residents said they were looking forward to starting small businesses again and resuming operations that were previously suspended due to the power deficit.
The project is expected to boost economic activity in the area, reduce youth unemployment, improve night-time security, and raise the overall standard of living in Efandion and nearby communities.
With more development promises on the horizon, residents are hopeful that Rt. Hon. Maria Oligbi-Edeko’s efforts will continue to transform the constituency in the months ahead
