The foundation stone for the construction of a power transmission substation has been laid at Ididep community in Ibiono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, who performed the ceremony said this was part of the Federal Government efforts to boost the electricity transmission capacity for the improvement of electricity supply in the area.
He said the project involves the construction of 2×30/40 MVA, 123/33kv Substation with six feeders projected for completion in 18 months, starting from the date approval by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Jeddy-Agba said the Federal Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) decided to embark on the construction of the Transmission substation project for completion to strengthen the National grid, improve service delivery and increase capacity to supply power to the people of Akwa Ibom.
The Minister said upon project completion, it would strengthen the National Grid by increasing its wheeling capacity to 25,000MW by 2025.
He further informed the people of the area that the project was a campaign promise fulfilled by President Buhari to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Emmanuel Udom, represented by the Commissioner of Power and Petroleum, James John Etim, thanked the Federal Government for bringing the project to Akwa Ibom state and promised to support the project to completion.
Earlier, a former Senator and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Ita Enang, who is an indigene of the community, thanked the President for fulfilling his promise to the people.
The paramount chief of Ididep Ibiono community, Okuku Ime Udo Usoro, in his remarks expressed appreciation to the President, the Ministers and Management of the Ministry of Power, the community heads and people of Akwa Ibom State for their cooperation.
He said he was interested in projects that influenced the life of people and promised to work with the State Government to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The Director Transmission, Nosike Emmanuel also appreciated the people for identifying with the project, urging the government and people of Akwa Ibom State to provide all necessary support and assistance to make the project a reality.
