In a significant move aimed at alleviating a decade-long plight, the federal government has committed to restoring electricity in eight local government areas (LGAs) within Sokoto State. The promise materialized following an impassioned plea by Governor Ahmed Aliyu during the recent official visit of Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo.
The dire situation, which has persisted for years, reached a tipping point when Governor Aliyu brought it to the attention of Minister Adebayo. The lack of electricity has severely hampered the daily lives and economic prospects of residents in these neglected LGAs.
Responding promptly to the governor’s concerns, a delegation from the Ministry of Power was swiftly dispatched to assess the extent of the problem and formulate a plan for reinstating electricity supply. Mustafa Baba Umarah, the Director of Distribution at the Federal Ministry of Power, led the assessment team. He emphasized the government’s commitment to conducting a thorough examination of the underlying issues causing the blackout and subsequently implementing corrective measures.
During the assessment exercise held over the weekend in Sokoto, Umarah assured the affected communities that their plight had not gone unnoticed and that the federal government was determined to rectify the situation. He underscored the importance of reliable electricity access for socio-economic development and reiterated the government’s pledge to leave no Nigerian community behind in its electrification efforts.
Sanusi Dan Fulani, the state’s Commissioner for Energy, echoed Umarah’s sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role of electricity in stimulating economic activities, particularly in rural areas. Fulani emphasized that restoring electricity in these LGAs aligns seamlessly with Governor Aliyu’s vision of fostering growth and prosperity, especially in Sokoto’s eastern zone, often referred to as the state’s “food basket” due to its agricultural significance.
However, the success of the restoration project hinges not only on government initiatives but also on the active involvement and support of the communities concerned. Commissioner Fulani appealed to the residents of the eight earmarked LGAs—Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Wurno, Rabah, Gada, Illela, and Gwadabawa—to collaborate with government authorities and stakeholders to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the restoration efforts.
