The Okere of Sakiland, Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, has intensified efforts to address the lingering electricity challenges confronting communities across Saki and its environs, urging the Federal Government to expedite the completion of critical power infrastructure projects capable of transforming the economic fortunes of the region.
The revered monarch made the appeal during a strategic courtesy visit to the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in Abuja, where discussions centred on the urgent need to improve electricity supply and accelerate ongoing transmission and distribution projects serving Sakiland and neighbouring communities.
Speaking during the meeting, Oba Oyedepo expressed deep concern over the persistent inadequacies in power supply, describing the situation as a major impediment to economic growth, industrial expansion, and sustainable development in the area. He noted that despite the entrepreneurial spirit and commercial vibrancy for which Saki is renowned, unreliable electricity has continued to constrain businesses, discourage investments, and limit opportunities for socio-economic advancement.
The monarch observed that artisans, traders, agro-processing enterprises, small and medium-scale businesses, as well as educational and healthcare institutions, have borne the brunt of erratic electricity supply, forcing many operators to depend heavily on alternative energy sources at significantly higher costs.
According to him, the completion of ongoing power projects would not only enhance access to reliable electricity but also stimulate industrial activities, create employment opportunities, attract new investments, and improve the overall standard of living for residents of the region.
Oba Oyedepo emphasized that access to stable electricity remains one of the most critical requirements for economic competitiveness in the modern era, stressing that communities across Sakiland possess enormous economic potential that can only be fully harnessed through improved infrastructure and energy security.
He therefore appealed to the Federal Ministry of Power to accord priority attention to projects targeted at strengthening electricity transmission and distribution networks within the area, noting that timely government intervention would restore confidence among investors and unlock fresh opportunities for economic expansion.
The traditional ruler further reaffirmed his commitment to constructive engagement with government agencies and relevant stakeholders, pledging continued advocacy aimed at ensuring that Sakiland benefits substantially from ongoing national development initiatives in the power sector and other strategic areas of infrastructure.
Oba Oyedepo also reiterated the willingness of traditional institutions to collaborate with government authorities in facilitating development projects, maintaining community support, and ensuring peaceful environments necessary for successful project execution.
Responding, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, acknowledged the concerns raised by the monarch and commended his proactive leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of his people.
The minister noted that traditional rulers remain important partners in the nation’s development agenda, particularly in identifying grassroots challenges and facilitating effective communication between government institutions and local communities.
Tegbe assured the monarch that the ministry would carefully review the issues presented during the meeting and explore practical measures to enhance electricity supply to Saki and surrounding communities. He further pledged the ministry’s commitment to advancing ongoing projects designed to strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure and improve service delivery across underserved areas.
The meeting is widely regarded as a significant step in the sustained advocacy for improved infrastructure development in Sakiland, with stakeholders expressing optimism that enhanced collaboration between traditional leadership and government authorities would accelerate solutions to the region’s longstanding electricity challenges.
For residents and business owners in Saki, the engagement represents renewed hope that years of unstable power supply may soon give way to a more reliable electricity network capable of driving economic growth, supporting local industries, and fostering sustainable development across the region.
