Oron, Akwa Ibom State – The Executive Director, Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Victor Antai, KJW, Ph.D, yesterday 16th August, 2025, embarked on a critical inspection tour of electricity infrastructure in Oron Local Government Area to ascertain the state of power supply across Oro Nation.
For decades, the five Local Government Areas that make up Oro Nation have grappled with perennial electricity challenges, leaving households, businesses, and critical infrastructure in prolonged blackout. Determined to change this narrative, Sir Antai inspected transformers, poles, cables, and other facilities in Uya Oro Village, Iquita, Idua Assang, Murtala, Isangadihi, Eyobasi, and other communities.
During the inspection, Sir Antai assured residents that faulty transformers would be replaced, damaged poles changed, and new cables provided, alongside other interventions needed to ensure a reliable and steady power supply. He emphasized that this intervention was not just a stopgap measure, but a deliberate step towards permanently ending the blackout that has crippled economic and social life in the area.
“What Oro needs and what we are committed to delivering is constant power supply, as already being experienced in other parts of Akwa Ibom State. This is not only about improving livelihoods, but also about boosting small businesses, industries, and the general well-being of our people. Oro Nation deserves no less,” Sir Antai declared.
He further explained that this intervention is not limited to Oro Nation alone but will be extended to other Local Government Areas within Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta region facing similar challenges. According to him, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, which seeks to deliver sustainable infrastructure and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, the President of Uya Oro Youth Association, Comrade Effiong Bassey Uweh, expressed delight on behalf of the youths and the larger community.
“This is the first time in a long while we are seeing a high-ranking son of the soil come down to personally assess our situation and give us hope. The entire Oro Nation is grateful to you Sir Victor Antai for this bold step. We believe that this marks the beginning of a new dawn for us,” he said.
Residents across Oro Nation echoed similar sentiments, describing the intervention as timely and long overdue. Many noted that access to stable electricity will transform local economies, improve education and healthcare delivery, and restore vibrancy to community life.
With this move, Sir Victor Antai has once again reaffirmed his commitment to a better Oro and a better Niger Delta. His actions today represent more than an inspection, they embody a promise of light after years of darkness.
Capping off his visit with a firm assurance, Sir Antai declared: “Darkness cannot define the destiny of Oro Nation; light must prevail.”