The Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, has expressed optimism that electricity will soon return to Ohafia communities following the successful completion of more than 75 percent of the ongoing Light Up Ohafia Project.
Hon. Osonwa remarked during an inspection of the Ohafia Electricity Substation located at Timber Shade, Ebem Ohafia, alongside the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday.
The lawmaker disclosed that electricity cables have now been successfully drawn through Ihechiowa to the Timber Shade Substation, while a comprehensive technical audit of the facility has been completed, paving the way for the final stages of the project.
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According to him, the project is on course for completion, with full restoration of electricity to Ohafia targeted for the end of July 2026.
Hon. Osonwa noted that the development marks a major breakthrough for residents of Ohafia Local Government Area, who have endured over eight years without public power supply, a situation that has negatively affected businesses, livelihoods, and socio-economic activities across the area.
Speaking during the inspection, the federal lawmaker reiterated his commitment to ending the prolonged electricity crisis, stressing that access to power remains essential for economic growth and community development.
“Uninterrupted power is not a luxury. It is the backbone of economic survival. For eight years, our people have endured the dark. Through strategic partnership and the decisive intervention of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, the restoration of power to Ohafia is no longer a distant dream; it is an imminent reality. The light is coming. We are almost home,” Osonwa stated.
The lawmaker highlighted the various efforts he has undertaken over the years to address the power challenge, including raising the matter on the floor of the House of Representatives, facilitating engagements with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) through the House Committee on Public Petitions, sustained advocacy with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), installation of solar-powered streetlights in markets across Arochukwu and Ohafia, and the donation of a 500kVA transformer to Amoba Village.
Hon. Osonwa further explained that the Light Up Ohafia Project emerged from collaborative efforts between himself and the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, whose advocacy and engagements helped attract the intervention before it received full backing from Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti under the state government’s Light Up Ohafia initiative.
He commended Governor Otti, Deputy Governor Emetu, Commissioner Ikechukwu Monday, and members of the project team for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that electricity is restored to Ohafia communities.
The lawmaker assured constituents that he would continue to monitor the project until power supply is fully restored, expressing confidence that the completion of the project would revive businesses, create economic opportunities, improve security, and enhance the quality of life for residents across Ohafia and neighbouring communities.
