People of the Ejule community in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State exploded in jubilation on the arrival of the 500KVA transformer recently distributed by the state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The arrival of the transformer was characterised by doubt and suspicion regarding the government’s sincerity in delivering its promises, even after the governor officially flagged off the distribution of the transformers to communities.

The Guardian reports that Governor Ododo officially flagged off the distribution and installation of 30 units of 500kVA transformers across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The project aims to enhance electricity supply, boost economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life for Kogi residents.

When the expected transformer eventually arrived in Ejule, the people erupted in jubilation, dancing and singing praises of Gov Ododo and his deputy.

A statement by the press secretary to the deputy governor, Unubi Emmanuel, read, “For many along Idah Road and Alloma Road in Ejule, it was the end of a long and painful journey through darkness. The arrival of the transformers to replace the broken ones brought renewed hope to a community whose parts had endured years of blackouts.

“Speaking amidst the jubilant crowd, the Onuh Ejule, His Royal Highness Alhaji Adejoh Abdullahi Amanabo, could not hide his gratitude. ‘We are deeply thankful to our Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and our own son, the Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, for remembering us. Today, some parts of Ejule breathe again. The light has returned, and so has hope,’ he said with emotion.”

The Ejule community leader, Comrade Yahaya Adama, described the gesture as a divine intervention that rekindled the people’s faith in a leadership that truly listens. “For years, we prayed for this day. Governor Ododo and our son, Comrade Joel Salifu, have answered the cries of our community. We can now live, work, and trade again,” he said.

The women were not left out in the celebration. Representing them, the Iye Ebule (Women Leader) Ejule, represented by Mallama Ayiba Audu, spoke through joyful tears, saying, “For three years, we lived in darkness. Our children could not study at night, and our small businesses suffered. Today, light has come back, and our hearts are full of gratitude to the governor and his deputy.”

Others, including the Chief Imam of Ejule, Dr. Abubakar Ejiga, Hon. Salifu Egwu, Hon. Sumaila Ndamodu, Mallam Hussein Abdullahi, and Mrs. Mariam Muhammed, a trader, all expressed deep appreciation to the state government, noting that the restored power would revive businesses, strengthen security, and bring life back to the once-dark areas. They pledged their unwavering support for the administration of Governor Ododo, assuring him that Ejule would stand firmly behind him beyond 2027.

The two 500KVA transformers for Ejule are part of Governor Ododo’s statewide rural electrification initiative, which aims to light up neglected communities and boost grassroots development across Kogi State. The initiative has already brought power and renewed hope to many rural areas that had long been forgotten.