Ministry of Power Inspects Okomu Power Facilities, Proposses Electricity Access Expansion
By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
The Edo State Ministry of Power has reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to strengthening the Electricity Sector through strategic partnerships following a courtesy visit and inspection of the Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc power generation facilities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
The Team was led by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Ehigie Usenbo SCN, alongside the functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Dr. Stephen Uyiekpen, as part of the Ministry's ongoing statewide assessment of power generation and energy infrastructure aimed at improving electricity access and achieving energy sufficiency across Edo State.
Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner said the inspection was designed to assess the power generation capacity of major industrial operators, evaluate their energy needs and existing infrastructure, and identify opportunities for extending electricity to host communities through strategic collaborations. He stated that the initiative aligned with the Edo State Government's vision of building a resilient and sustainable electricity sector capable of supporting industrial growth, economic development and improved living standards.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo's administration to transforming the State's Electricity Sector in line with the Edo State Electricity Law of 2025, through policies that encourage investment, innovation, public-private partnerships and sustainable energy development.
He explained that expanding access to electricity, particularly in rural communities, remains a priority of the present administration, adding that the Government is committed to working with existing investors and key stakeholders to strengthen energy security and deliver reliable power solutions for industries and surrounding communities.
Hon. Usenbo disclosed that the Ministry is developing a strategic framework to deepen collaboration with the Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc by identifying areas of mutual interest that will enhance power generation, improve energy efficiency and contribute to the State's long-term energy sustainability objectives.
Welcoming the delegation, the Managing Director of the Company, Dr. Graham Hefer, commended the Edo State Government for its proactive approach to improving the Power Sector and expressed the Company's readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in advancing sustainable electricity generation.
Dr. Hefer explained that Okomu Oil Palm Company invested in independent power generation to address the challenges posed by inadequate public electricity supply, noting that the initiative has enabled the Company to maintain a stable and uninterrupted power supply for its operations. He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the Company and the Edo State Government would create opportunities to improve electricity access, enhance energy efficiency and support sustainable development within host communities.
Highpoint of the visit was an extensive inspection of the Company's power generation facilities, during which officials of the Ministry assessed the installed infrastructure and explored opportunities for future collaboration aimed at strengthening Edo State's Electricity Sector and accelerating the delivery of reliable, sustainable and inclusive energy solutions for industries, businesses and surrounding communities.
Photo Caption
Cross section of the inspection tour by the Edo State Ministry of Power delegation, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Ehigie Usenbo, sᴄɴ., alongside the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Engr. Dr. Stephen Iyakpen, with the management of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, led by the Managing Director, Dr. Graham Hefer, during the inspection of the company's power generation facilities in Okomu, Edo State.
The Edo State Ministry of Power has reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to strengthening the Electricity Sector through strategic partnerships following a courtesy visit and inspection of the Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc power generation facilities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
The Team was led by the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Ehigie Usenbo SCN, alongside the functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Dr. Stephen Uyiekpen, as part of the Ministry's ongoing statewide assessment of power generation and energy infrastructure aimed at improving electricity access and achieving energy sufficiency across Edo State.
Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner said the inspection was designed to assess the power generation capacity of major industrial operators, evaluate their energy needs and existing infrastructure, and identify opportunities for extending electricity to host communities through strategic collaborations. He stated that the initiative aligned with the Edo State Government's vision of building a resilient and sustainable electricity sector capable of supporting industrial growth, economic development and improved living standards.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo's administration to transforming the State's Electricity Sector in line with the Edo State Electricity Law of 2025, through policies that encourage investment, innovation, public-private partnerships and sustainable energy development.
He explained that expanding access to electricity, particularly in rural communities, remains a priority of the present administration, adding that the Government is committed to working with existing investors and key stakeholders to strengthen energy security and deliver reliable power solutions for industries and surrounding communities.
Hon. Usenbo disclosed that the Ministry is developing a strategic framework to deepen collaboration with the Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc by identifying areas of mutual interest that will enhance power generation, improve energy efficiency and contribute to the State's long-term energy sustainability objectives.
Welcoming the delegation, the Managing Director of the Company, Dr. Graham Hefer, commended the Edo State Government for its proactive approach to improving the Power Sector and expressed the Company's readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in advancing sustainable electricity generation.
Dr. Hefer explained that Okomu Oil Palm Company invested in independent power generation to address the challenges posed by inadequate public electricity supply, noting that the initiative has enabled the Company to maintain a stable and uninterrupted power supply for its operations. He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the Company and the Edo State Government would create opportunities to improve electricity access, enhance energy efficiency and support sustainable development within host communities.
Highpoint of the visit was an extensive inspection of the Company's power generation facilities, during which officials of the Ministry assessed the installed infrastructure and explored opportunities for future collaboration aimed at strengthening Edo State's Electricity Sector and accelerating the delivery of reliable, sustainable and inclusive energy solutions for industries, businesses and surrounding communities.
Photo Caption
Cross section of the inspection tour by the Edo State Ministry of Power delegation, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Ehigie Usenbo, sᴄɴ., alongside the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Engr. Dr. Stephen Iyakpen, with the management of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, led by the Managing Director, Dr. Graham Hefer, during the inspection of the company's power generation facilities in Okomu, Edo State.
