Jubilation at Oke-Ogba/Ganmo as Community Commissions 500KVA Transformer, Demands More to Serve Growing Population.

Veritas News Hub | Kwara Metro Desk

There was jubilation at Oke-Ogba/Ganmo  Community, Oke-Ogba axis of Ifelodun  LGA, Kwara State, on Tuesday as residents commissioned a newly installed 500KVA transformer to improve electricity supply across six adjoining communities. The project, driven by community stakeholders and supported by private donors, was described as a major relief for thousands of residents who have battled erratic power for years.

The commissioning ceremony drew religious leaders, traditional heads, youth leaders, and residents who trooped out to witness the milestone. The event also doubled as a call for more infrastructure, with the community’s transformer committee appealing to government and philanthropists for additional transformers to cover underserved areas.

In his welcome address, Comrade Omoniyi Gabriel, Chairman of the Transformer Committee, said the installation was the result of months of planning, community contributions, and partnership with well-meaning individuals. He noted that the 500KVA transformer would directly service Ibukun Oluwa, Ifesowapo, Orisun Ayo, Sarafadeen, Ifesowapo Oke Ogba Axis, and Oke-Ogba Community.

“We started this journey with a simple goal: to restore dignity to power supply in our communities. Today, that goal has become reality,” Gabriel told the gathering. “This transformer is not just equipment. It is hope for students who read at night, for small businesses that depend on power, and for families who deserve comfort in their homes.”

He specifically appreciated the Kwara State Government for its promises and interventions in the power sector, adding that government support gave the committee confidence to push the project to completion.

The event was marked with prayers from leaders of different faiths, underscoring the unity of the six communities. Apostle Amos Olufemi Afolayan commended the transformer committee for “working tirelessly” to ensure the project came to fruition. He urged residents to protect the facility and use electricity responsibly.

Pastor Orunnimi Timothy, Prophet Daniel Gbenga from Hands of God Revival Ministry and Deaconess C. B Afolayan offered prayers for the sustainability and protection of the transformer, asking God to prevent vandalism and technical failure. “May this transformer serve us for many years without fault. May it be a source of blessing, not sorrow,” they prayed.

Sheikh Sulieman Isiaka prayed for continued love and coordination among the six communities, stressing that unity was key to attracting more development. Alhaji Sheikh Abdulrasaq Umar Ajijolanobi, Chief Imam of Oke-Ogba, also offered prayers in Arabic for greater progress and divine protection over the project and the people.

The Baalẹ of the community, Alh Salman Abubakar the traditional head, applauded the committee led by Comrade Omoniyi Gabriel, describing them as “goal getters” whose commitment had brought tangible development to Oke-Ogba/Ganmo. His remarks drew applause from residents who said community-led projects were restoring confidence in collective action.

While celebrating the new 500KVA installation, speakers at the event stressed that one transformer could not meet the needs of a fast-growing population. Committee members and residents appealed to the Kwara State Government, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and private donors to provide additional transformers for other streets and emerging settlements within Oke-Ogba/Ganmo.

Gabriel, while appreciating Alhaji Oluwatoyin Abubakar, founder of AAT University, for his financial support toward the project, said more work remained. “We thank Alhaji Oluwatoyin Abubakar for standing with us financially. His support proves that private citizens can change the story of their communities,” he also appreciated: Alh Kamoru Moyo, Chief Balogun, Engr. Ishola, Mrs. Jacob, A.Y Motors, Alh Olayinka Saka SUIO, Engr. Shola Akinlade etc specially for their generous donation.

The committee chairman also praised his team, calling them “dependable teammates” who worked without pay and sometimes risked personal resources to ensure the project succeeded. He urged them to remain vigilant in monitoring the transformer and educating residents against illegal connections and vandalism.

Residents who spoke with Veritas News Hub expressed relief and optimism. For many small business owners like welders, barbers, and cold room operators, stable power means higher income and fewer losses from spoilage. Students and parents said night reading would now be easier.

“This transformer has lifted a burden from us,” said one resident from Orisun Ayo. “For months we depended on generators. Now we can plan our lives better. But we are begging government and donors: please give us more transformers. Our population is growing every day.”

The Oke-Ogba/Ganmo project reflects a growing trend of community-driven development in Kwara, where residents are pooling resources to solve basic infrastructure problems while waiting on broader government interventions. Energy experts note that distribution transformers remain a critical bottleneck in Nigeria’s power sector, and community partnerships can help bridge the gap.

As the celebration ended with prayers and applause, the message from Oke-Ogba/Ganmo was clear: gratitude for what has been achieved, and a firm request for more. With  the 500KVA transformer now live, the six communities are hoping this is the first of many steps toward stable, affordable electricity for all.