Residents of Okwo Omenka street, Sabon-Gari area in Otukpo metropolis at the weekend trooped out enmasse in massive celebration on a day a brand new 500 KVA fully powered sub-station donated by the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh was completely installed and commissioned.
The transformer, which has been switched on after few weeks of installation, restored uninterrupted power supply to scores of homes in the area.
Addressing the crowd who graced the brief but colourful commissioning ceremony in the presence of the Paramount Ruler of Idomaland, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Elaigwu John, Och’ Idoma V as Special Guest, the donor Barr. Edeh who firstly commiserated with the entire Otukpo indigenes and residents as well as the state government over the loss of lives during a bloody robbery raid few days ago, said he was moved to come to the rescue of the people after he was told of their “epileptic to no power supply predicament” for the past four years.
While dedicating the sub-station in memory of his late younger brother and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel, Inspector Simon Edeh, who was killed on active duty last month along the highway, the RSDF boss assured that he would continue to touch lives positively in both Otukpo and other parts of the state.
“I’m not a politician, so I don’t do what I do because of any political inclination. I only give as I’m touched by God almighty who gives as he wills.
“I got to know that this community didn’t have light for a long time when I had to cut short my trip to Spain and returned due to the sudden demise of my immediate younger brother. Since then, I have been in talks with the authorities in charge, Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO).
“This is the third sub-station I will be donating to different areas in Otukpo alone, and I give God thanks for empowering me to do so,” Barr. Edeh who is also the Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA) said.
He then called on other well-to-do individuals including politicians to always think of how to alleviate the suffering of the masses, adding, “I appeal to fellow Idoma brothers and sisters to come back home and develop our place. This is the time to help bring development to the people. The entire federal roads especially within Otukpo area are in bad shape.
“You don’t need to wait till the campaign period to make impact by just sharing food stuff and the rest. This is the time to identify with our paramount ruler whose emergence has brought light and, indeed, our people to bring about the needed change.”
Commissioning the transformer, Och’ Idoma, who prayed fervently for Barr Edeh and his family, urged other people from Idomaland to emulate him and return home to bring meaningful development in the adjourning communities.
He said, “I want to specially thank my worthy son, Barr. Paul for remembering home. Yes, you have said you are not a politician, but when the entire people in the future call on you to represent them at any level in government, please don’t reject the call. I never planned to be Traditional Ruler of my people all my life, but when the call came, I couldn’t resist it.”
In a ceaseless outpour of gratitude amidst rejoicing, both men, women, and youth thanked Barr. Edeh for remembering them at a very critical time.
Speaking on their behalf, a community leader, Dr. Anthony Oko, and youth leader, Hon illiya Hassan unanimously described Barr. Edeh as God sent.
They assured of their readiness to partner JEDCO officials in protecting the multi-million power facility while calling for the holistic repair of the old transformer to serve other areas.
Later on, the new sub-station was officially handed over to JEDCO, the power company represented by its Otukpo Regional Manager, Mathew Agbata in the presence of NSCDC top officials whose primary responsibility is to protect mostly public facilities.
The community in joyous mood presented various gifts to Barr. Edeh, including a massive cow, which he in turn donated to HRM, the Och’ Idoma.
He later led the BSFA board and other football stakeholders to make a presentation of a specially crafted artwork to the Och’ Idoma.
The outstanding football administrator and the only proprietor of two women clubs in Nigeria had on July 12 and December 25, 2020, donated two transformers to other parts of Otukpo metropolis.
