As the nation reeled under the nationwide blackout occasioned by the strike embarked upon by workers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) which started on Wednesday, the Ossiomo Independent Power project initiated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration came to the rescue in Edo State by energizing government offices, street lights and other public infrastructure as well as private businesses connected to the IPP, operating from Ologbo, near Benin City.
According to media reports, the striking TCN workers shutdown the national grid leading to a nationwide blackout crippling businesses and public infrastructure.
Godspower Eguasa, a civil servant in Edo State said “the impact of the strike was not felt in government offices that are connected to the Ossiomo Power project because we had light all day in our office.”
He lauded “the foresight of Governor Obaseki in partnering with private investors to bring the Ossiomo power project on stream and creating an alternative power source for Edo people and residents.”
Mrs. Sandra Ogiugo also said she only noticed the nationwide blackout when she got home from work as “there was light in my office. We must give it to Governor Obaseki, his foresight is worthy of commendation.”
She added: “A centralized electricity infrastructure in a country as big as Nigeria is not sustainable and this nationwide blackout validates my argument. Other governors must learn from Obaseki.”
