The people of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers have expressed joy following the electrification of nine Ogoni communities for the first time in eight years.
The communities of Gbam Bonue, Kereken Boue, and Nyorkwiri Boue, among others, had been in total blackout since 2016, severely impacting local economic and social activities.
Hundreds of residents from the agrarian communities trooped out en masse to celebrate what they described as a miracle.
The Paramount Ruler of Gbam Boue community, Neeka Daasang, expressed disbelief at the return of electricity after years of darkness, noting that the development would enhance growth and revive local trade.
He said, “We have endured prolonged darkness that has drastically hindered development, business, and security. The restoration of power to the community will usher in development and rejuvenate commerce in the area. We are delighted with this historic achievement that has given us something to hope for again.’’
Mr Daasang praised Khana Caretaker Committee chairman, Dr Malvin Yobana, for the swift action taken within three months in office.
Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, lauded Yobana for his dedication to improving the living conditions of the Khana people.
Mr Oko-Jumbo commended Mr Yobana for clearing the backlog of electricity bills owed the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
He described the chairman as an exemplary leader that had set a high standard for others to emulate.
“This demonstrates the Khana chairman’s focus on governance and the needs of the Khana people,” he said.
Mr Oko-Jumbo affirmed that local government council elections would be held on October 5 in spite of calls for postponement.
In his speech, Mr Yobabna stated that upon being appointed, his administration initiated the Rural Electrification Rehabilitation project to end the years his people spent in darkness.
He wondered why residents had been allowed to live in darkness for so long under successive administrations.
“After assuming office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara urged us to address the needs and aspirations of our people. Later, we brainstormed on how to use our lean resources at our disposal to alleviate the sufferings of people of the area. This led to the decision to embark on the rural electrification rehabilitation project to restore electricity to long-neglected areas,” he said.
Mr Yobana commended the Boue and Gwara communities for protecting existing electrical infrastructure in spite of the prolonged lack of electricity.
