Barrister Paul Ankwa Edeh, an illustrious son of the Idoma Nation and President of Nigeria Women Football League side Naija Ratels FC on Sunday July 12, 2020 brought smiles to the faces of thousands of residents in Zone HB and the Divisional Police Headquarter in Otukpo as he donated a brand new 500KVA Transformer and a new Generator to the populace.
Barr. Edeh revealed that he was moved to accomplish the project after he realized that the people of the area have been in complete darkness for over 2 months without power supply.
In his words: “I was pained when I discoverd that the people are without power supply for months and nothing serious was done about it. I was blessed to have the capacity to buy and fuel a generator at my family house but again, I noticed at night that it is only our house that has power.
“As a true Christian, it is wrong to be in an environment where people are in great need of help which I know quite well that I could assist them. I had no serious cash in my account when I wanted to start but I had the will to illuminate the neighborhood even though am not a permanent resident here any more.
The legal luminary went further to say that “I would like to correct an impression, am not doing these things because I want to seek or contest for any political office. I already have a father like Sen. Abba Moro who has done and still doing very well for the good people of Zone C, but I want to make a very serious and humble appeal on behalf of our people. It is about the Federal road that passes through Otukpo from Jesus College to the largest roundabout in West Africa which is the Enugu roundabout.
My other appeal is about the road that passes through Akpa Street where this occasion is been held today, the road has become very tight lately, just recently, some persons hit my car twice in one day along this same road because almost every one who is supposed to be on the highway are using this route and as a result, the road is gradually dilapidating.
“My last appeal is to Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) to please accept to give the people a moratorium of free electricity supply while my Daddy presents the brand new Generator to the Police. “He added.
Sen. Abba Moro, the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District at the National Assembly who doubles as the Chairman of the auspicious and ground breaking event disclosed that
“I have gone to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing in regards to the Ahmadu Bello way that passes through Otukpo and the Nasarawa asis of Oweto road and bridge project which was initiated by our own Father, Distinguished Sen. David Mark. The unfortunate thing about this project is that the contractors are complaining about paucity of funds even though compensation have been paid since.
“I’ve gone to the contractors severally and even threaten to make sure the projects are withdrawn because they have failed to act opon it. But the minister in charge insist that it won’t be good for both sides.
“I want to reassure you people here that I have already made arrangements for the rehabilitation of the St. Francis to roundabout asis because that part is more deteriorated. Although the people I’m contracting are charging so much but, if the Federal Government contractors refused to commence work before this month end. I won’t have any other choice than to do my thing but I strongly believe that they won’t want me to fix the road with my own money because there will be consequences on their path if I get it done myself.
“On the the issue of Transformers and electricity in general, I’m the one who bought the transformer at my house in Ugbokolo and even the major one at my area there. I wonder why the electricity company like JED or NEPA can’t provide transformers for their customers. I want to assure you again that I will speak of this development to Sen. Gabriel Suswam who is the Chairman of the Senate committee on electricity to see how we can change some of these things.
“What my son and very good friend, Barr. Paul Edeh has done here today is highly commendable and humane. I pray for God’s blessings opon him. I will also want to state it clear here that I did not in any way contribute to the purchase of these transformer and generator been presented here today.
“There’s a little girl who just caught my attention because of her inability to walk without clutches. I have taken note of that and also assuring her family and the people of this area that I will sponsor the needed surgery that will make her walk well again.” The Federal lawmaker added.
Other Dignitaries present
includes the Benue State Honourable commissioner of Science and Technology, Dr. Godwin Oyiwona, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area Council, RT. Hon. George Alli who was representated by his Vice, Hon. Bako Ejeh, the Secretary to the LG, Hon. Oyaje Egwa, Dr. Adoyi West Ujah, Pastor Evans Egbe, Mr. Edward Ogbe Oduh, Mr. Mathew Agbata, Hon. James Oche, the Chairman of Ado LGA, the Councilor representing Ewulo ward at the Otukpo legislative council, Hon. Idah Ben Okopi, Mother Rosemary Oganyi of Mary’s Orphanage home, et’al.