Linking Andoni To National Grid

Electricity is the agent of modern development. And any nation without constant electricity supply faces economic and infrastructural challenges. No wonder the chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Hon. Orom Nte Ereferokuma, announced the electrification of Andoni at Ebukuma Town, during the inauguration of Wesley Circuit of Methodist Church, Nigeria.

Indeed, the speech was seen as a normal political talk to arouse the feeling of the listening audience as usual. But after one month, the statement became a reality. This proved that the chairman was not joking with his words. The statement was made on 19th of September, 2011, and in October, 2011, the chairman convinced the people that he is a man to reckon with.

Andoni Local Government Area was not linked to national grid before now. But the sudden proclamation by the chairman became a food for thought. The Obolo people are actually waiting for a leader who will lead them to have a sense of belonging as their other counterparts in the state.

In those days, the people of Andoni travelled to Port Harcourt or Bori to do any thing pertaining to wielding and photocopying. And they paid exorbitantly. The action of the chairman is a welcome development in Andoni. The council has mobilised Power Holding Company of Nigeria. The company has commended the electrification project in Andoni. And every Andoni man is praying for the chairman to complete the project by the end of his tenure.

More so, the people of Andoni are out to see that nothing truncates the project, as everyone is ready to support the chairman to succeed in this lofty project since the creation of Andoni Local Government Area. The youth should also eschew any act capable of disrupting peace. The long awaited project is paramount to the people of Andoni. That is the more reason why every hand must be on deck for it to be realised in the shortest possible time. It is a period for all and sundry to support the chairman to achieve his purpose in Andoni as he serves his people.

Electricity is something that the Andoni people need for now, if development must come to the area. In those days, fishermen would always waste the catch because of non-availability of cold room. The fact remains, if there is electricity, some investors would come and build cold rooms which will help boost fishing business in the area. When electricity is put in place people would be convinced to purchase refrigerators to preserve their perishable goods. This will in turn bring investors to establish industries in Andoni.

The Ngo mainland is one of the largest forests in the Niger Delta. The forest is the home of elephants, lions, baboons, giraffes, tigers and other wild lives. There are lakes which serve as habitat for crocodiles and other cold bodied animals. The area would in turn be developed as game reserve. The people of Andoni have what it takes to generate revenue for the state. But the absence of light has kept every thing in a state of oblivion.

The on-going electrification project linking Andoni to national grid is something that must be completed for the people to have a sigh of relief. Incidentally, the Rivers State government under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has declared its intention for rural electrification project in the state. And bidding has already commenced and waiting for award of contracts. This would go a long way in developing the rural areas of the state.

Indeed, Andoni Local Government Area is one of the local government areas without the presence of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). And the people of Andoni are anxious to see the end of the project. Observationally, if there are no empty promises by our leaders, there will be trust on the part of citizens. The people want to see a leader who will stand by his words. Then, the people can trust their leader and stand by him. Andoni people expect charismatic and pragmatic leadership in this dispensation.

For now, the executive chairman, Hon. Oron Nte Ereferokuma has stood up to be one. And the people are praying for him. When a man does what he says, trust is built. Nigerian state has suffered in the hand of mistrust. This is a time for clarion call on the people of Andoni to support the chairman to accomplish the electrification project. It is worthy to note that the Obolo people are major beneficiaries of the project. Therefore, let us work with the chairman of Andoni Local Government Council to actualise the vision. This is the first time the council is embarking on what is often referred to as state or federal project.

Light brings development and peace. Indeed, very soon, Andoni people would start to enjoy electricity from the national grid. Let us pray for the chairman to complete the project. Let us say no to any activity that might frustrate the project.

Ogwuonuonu, a public affairs analyst, resides in Port Harcourt.

Frank Ogwuonuonu