Bekwarra, Cross River – The Ada Bekwarra, Hon. Signor Omang, has commended Governor Bassey Otu for restoring electricity in the Local Government Area after 15 years of wallowing in darkness.
The revered monarch who gave the commendation when the Think Cross River group led by Mr Edem Darlington visited him at his hometown at Gakem, expressed gratitude to Otu, whom he described as a “God-sent leader.”
“I want to sincerely thank the governor, Sen. Bassey Otu. He is actually a God-sent leader at this particular point in time,” Omang stated. He recalled leading a delegation of Bekwarra leaders to meet with the governor in April, where they prioritised the pressing issue of electricity.
“Our major concern was light,” he explained. “We also discussed health centres, water problems, and rural roads, but we emphasised that our priority is light.”
“Bekwarra was thrown into jubilation over this light issue. For several years, we have been in the dark. We know the importance of electricity; it impacts the economy, especially for artisans. If you are a welder, a carpenter, or a tailor, you rely on electricity to operate your machines. Hairdressers also need light for their work. This restoration will improve the local economy, particularly given the high costs of diesel and fuel.”
Omang highlighted the struggles faced by local businesses due to the lack of electricity, stating “Many people trained their children through these businesses, but the absence of light has forced so many out of business. Yet, in just a year and a half, Bekwarra now has light.”
“This is a governor who truly cares about the people,” he continued. “Years ago, we were running from one official to another, even to the Minister of State for Power, but all our efforts were in vain. Now, we are finally having light.”
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Darlington, who is also the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the team was in Bekwarra to introduce the Think Cross River initiative and also seek the support of the royal father. He said the initiative seeks to reignite the spirit of patriotism among Cross Riverians, while also galvanising support for the government in its effort to deliver good governance to the people.
He declared that the Think Cross initiative is a major advocacy tool for the promotion of Cross River tourism potential, as well as highlighting various business and investment opportunities available in the state. He added that Think Cross River emphasises patriotism, love for one another, prosperity, collective responsibility and social justice for all.
Meanwhile, for many in Bekwarra, the restoration of power is more than just the return of electricity, it is a sign of progress, a rekindling of hope.
“This is more than just light,” said Mary Ogar, a local trader. “It’s a new beginning for Bekwarra. Businesses can grow, children can study, and our community can thrive. Thank you, Governor Otu, for bringing us out of the darkness.”
For the first time in 15 years, the people of Bekwarra Local Government Area in Cross River State can finally switch on their lights, charge their phones, and enjoy the transformative power of electricity. This monumental milestone comes thanks to the commitment of Governor Otu, who fulfilled his campaign promise to restore power to the Local Government area.
The joy in Ugboro and Ijibor community is palpable. Children play under newly lit streets, small businesses are reopening with optimism, and residents speak of hope for a brighter future, literally and figuratively. For over a decade, the local government was plunged into darkness due to vandalism and a crumbling power infrastructure. Now, change has come.
“It’s been too long,” says 58-year-old farmer Dominic Ochiche. “Our children grew up in darkness. This feels like a miracle. Governor Otu has shown that he cares about us, and we are grateful.”
Engineer Innocent Inaku, the Branch Manager of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) overseeing the Central and Northern parts of Cross River State, also praised the governor’s efforts.
“Bekwarra has been in darkness for more than a decade,” Inaku explained. “The governor, His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu, directed the State Electrification Agency led by Mr Francis Ekpo, to develop a plan to reconnect and rehabilitate the power network in phases. That vision is now being realised.”
As part of the project’s first phase, six transformers have been provided in key locations across Bekwarra, including Ijibor by the roadside, The Catholic Church, Ijibor; Ugboro, St. Augustine Primary School, Ukpa; St Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Upa; Afrike Community, Afrike, number one.
Two of the six transformers—those at the Catholic Church in Ijibo and Ugboro—have already been energised, bringing electricity back to parts of the community. However, the work is not without its challenges.
“After such a long time without power, there are bound to be network issues as we energise the transformers,” Inaku explained. “We’re addressing these issues in phases to ensure long-term reliability. Another challenge is the lack of a local transmission station. We depend on the supply from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, which makes the process slower.”
“Despite these obstacles, the project is moving forward. Once the initial six transformers are fully operational, the next phase will extend power to communities such as Anyekam, Ibiaragidi, Begam, and Abuchiche.”