The Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, has delivered a major relief to residents of Kajola and Iwajowa Local Governments, Areas of Oyo State with the inauguration of the long-awaited 33KVA Iseyin–Okeho Power Line, effectively ending years of near-total electricity blackout in the affected communities.

The historic inauguration ceremony took place, at Okeho–Iganna Grammar School, attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders and jubilant residents from across the Oke-Ogun axis.

Speaking at the event, Chief Adelabu said the completion of the power line marked a decisive end to the prolonged darkness suffered by the communities, describing the project as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive development and infrastructural renewal.

“This commissioning will finally put an end to the total blackout that these communities have endured for years,” the minister declared, urging residents to take collective responsibility for protecting electricity infrastructure, including cables, transformers and transmission lines, from vandalism and sabotage.

He also called on electricity consumers to pay their bills promptly, stressing that revenue generation remains critical to sustaining and expanding power supply across the country.

Chief Adelabu further disclosed that President Tinubu remains resolute in fulfilling his campaign promises, particularly on power sector reforms, noting that the decentralisation of electricity generation and distribution—previously on the Exclusive Legislative List—has been fast-tracked under the current administration.

According to him, the President’s passion for stable electricity is also reflected in the ongoing mass metering programme, revealing that over three million electricity meters recently cleared from the seaports will be distributed nationwide free of charge, without collecting a single kobo from consumers.

The Power Minister reaffirmed his personal attachment to the Oke-Ogun zone, describing Igbeti in Olorunsogo Local Government as his ancestral home and vowing to remain steadfast in advancing the region’s development.

“Oke-Ogun deserves massive investment. Over 70 percent of Oyo State’s arable land is located here, yet the zone has suffered years of neglect,” he said.

Addressing the long-standing agitation for the governorship slot by Oke-Ogun indigenes, Adelabu acknowledged the region’s grievances and assured that, if given the mandate, he would prioritise the holistic development of the zone.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr. Mammuda Mamma, stated that the completion of the power line would guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply to the benefiting communities, urging residents to remain vigilant and protect the facility from saboteurs.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Oke-Ogun Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, alongside the Onjo of Okeho Oba Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha, expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government for extending dividends of democracy to the zone, while appealing for more developmental projects.

Residents of the communities expressed overwhelming joy, describing the power project as a turning point that would stimulate economic activities, improve security and enhance the overall quality of life after years of darkness.