Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled a sweeping Rural Electrification Programme aimed at tackling years of infrastructure neglect and energy deprivation across rural and semi-urban areas of the state.
The initiative, already bringing power to previously underserved communities, is breathing new life into local economies and redefining development at the grassroots level.
Driven by the Edo State Electrification Agency (ESEA), the programme is a central part of Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to improve living conditions in rural areas, curb rural-urban migration, and spur economic growth across the state.
The government’s strategy combines access to the national grid with independent power generation and renewable energy solutions, such as solar mini-grids, to deliver electricity across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
Central to this transformation is the Edo State Electricity Law, recently signed by the Governor. The law deregulates the electricity sector within the state, enabling private-sector participation and localised energy solutions through an independent electricity commission empowered to issue licences and attract investment.
“Previously, Edo was constrained by national regulatory frameworks. With this new law, we now have the autonomy to shape our energy future,” said Hon. Saturday Egbadon, Director-General of the ESEA. “This is not just reform. It is a revolution.”
Negotiations are ongoing with several independent power providers, one of which is set to begin operations in the coming months. These providers will generate and distribute electricity directly within Edo State, reducing reliance on the national grid and improving supply reliability.
The rollout is progressing swiftly across underserved communities. Villages in Edo Central Senatorial District—including Ibore, Atuagbo, Ugbaro, and Ikilor—have already been reconnected to the grid. Ikilor, notably, is receiving electricity for the first time in its history.
“This programme is about more than just power supply,” said Egbadon. “It restores dignity, inspires community pride, and brings people together. In several communities, residents have shown remarkable support by providing meals to contractors and celebrating the return of electricity as a shared victory.”
Governor Okpebholo’s approach is also rooted in long-term sustainability. His administration is forging public-private partnerships to ensure continuity and maintenance beyond his tenure.
“We are building systems that transcend political cycles,” Egbadon explained. “Private investors form part of the framework to ensure durability and growth.”
To safeguard infrastructure, the government is cracking down on vandalism through public awareness campaigns, legal enforcement, and collaboration with local leaders and youth groups.
“These facilities belong to the people,” Egbadon said. “We are calling on communities to protect their assets. Vandalism is an attack on progress, and offenders will face the full weight of the law.”
The administration is also enforcing transparency in metering and billing. No household will be connected without a meter, addressing widespread concerns about estimated billing. Through the national Mass Metering Programme and partnerships with local manufacturers, metres are to be delivered within 10 working days of payment.
“In every newly electrified community, we are ensuring that full metering is completed within the month,” Egbadon stated.
The electrification project is a cornerstone of Governor Okpebholo’s broader agenda for inclusive growth, with a focus on equitable development across all wards and communities—not just urban centres.
The Edo State Government is calling on citizens to support this transformation by protecting public infrastructure, contributing to local development, and reporting incidents of sabotage or non-compliance.
With the momentum building, the administration is poised to extend power to more communities and uplift more lives across Edo State.
