•Students read by candlelight, businesses collapse
By Ochuko Akuopha
ASABA — For over 15 years, the people of Isoko nation, an ethnic nationality blessed with over 100 oil wells and eight flow stations, have been living in what they describe as “total darkness,” even as the rest of Delta State moves forward.
The situation has become so dire that students now read by candlelight in the 21st Century, businesses are folding up daily, and investors are shunning the land that produces the very oil that powers Nigeria.
Last Thursday, the anger of an entire people boiled over as indigenes and residents, under the aegis of Isoko Need Light and the Isoko Peoples Movement (IPM), converged at the entrance of Government House, Asaba, demanding urgent action from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Their message was clear and desperate – complete and commission the abandoned 132/33Kv line and transmission substation in Ozoro, a project that has lain fallow since 2011. Lamenting their plight, Mr. Obaro Ubara, Convener of Isoko Need Light said: “We are talking about an ethnic nationality with over 100 oil wells, eight flow stations, Oil Mining Leases 26, 28, 30 and 50.
“Yet the whole of Isoko is in darkness, from Isoko North, to Isoko South. The headquarters themselves have no light, not to talk of remote communities that have been in darkness for the past 15 years. There are communities like Uro Ada and Bethel that have not seen electricity for 20 years!”
Our sons and daughters won’t invest
Chief Jerry Othuke of IPM revealed that the people have protested no fewer than three times across both local government areas over the years, all to no avail.
“What is even more painful is the irony,” Mr. Ubara continued. “The headquarters of Isoko South and Isoko North used to have electricity some time ago. But now? Nothing.”
The economic toll has been devastating. “Businesses are crumbling. People are not coming to invest in Isoko land,” he said. “Even our own sons and daughters who would have invested are staying away, all because there is no electricity.”
But perhaps the most heartbreaking consequence is the toll on the younger generation.
“The average Isoko student reads with a candle in the 21st Century,” Mr. Ubara stated. “Some of them come under streetlights in the night just to read. How can they compete with their peers in other parts of the country?”
Govt reaction
In a swift response, Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, addressed the protesters directly, assuring them that Governor Oborevwori is fully aware of their plight.
“Even before this meeting, the governor had listened to your concerns,” Anoka declared. “He understands the importance of electricity to the people and is committed to finding lasting solutions.”
He revealed that intervention work has already commenced on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) line serving the area, with contractors set to begin rehabilitation of the power line linking Emevor and Ozoro next week.
“Before next week, efforts will be made to rehabilitate the line between Emevor and Ozoro to ensure that Isoko nation enjoys at least eight hours of electricity supply daily,” Anoka promised.
Ozoro substation abandoned since 2011
On the long-abandoned Ozoro 132KV power sub-station, a project that could provide a permanent solution, Anoka disclosed that he submitted a comprehensive report to the governor just last week.
“The project was abandoned around 2011,” he admitted. “It did not originate under this administration. But His Excellency is currently studying the report as part of plans to provide a lasting solution.”
