By Abel Johngold, MNIPR
In a remarkable display of unity, resilience, and determination, the landlords and residents of Ozoma Hill-Top Estate, Ogbeozoma Okpanam, have achieved what many thought impossible—powering their community with a fully self-funded electricity transformer. Without waiting for government intervention or assistance from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), these residents took their future into their own hands, contributing over N100 million to install a 500KVA, 33-line transformer that now brings light and hope to their homes.
The official commissioning of the project on Monday, March 24, 2025, was not just a celebration of electrification but a testament to the power of collective action. Speaking at the event, Hon. Frank Esenwah, Esq., Member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, commended the association’s unwavering commitment to development, calling it a beacon of self-reliance and community progress.
“In the face of challenges, when many would have waited for external support, you chose to take action. This transformer, funded entirely by your collective efforts, is a symbol of hope and progress. It proves that even in difficult times, we have the power to shape our future,” Hon. Esenwah stated.
He assured the residents that brighter days lie ahead, revealing that the Delta State Electricity Reform Bill, recently passed by the House of Assembly, is set to break BEDC’s monopoly and usher in a more efficient electricity system.
However, while the newly installed transformer has brought relief, the community’s challenges are far from over. Chairman of the Landlords Association, Mr. Alegu Emmanuel Chigozie, passionately outlined the struggles they have faced and continue to endure.
“We have spent over N100 million on this project—money that should have been used for our families and businesses, but we had no choice. Our roads are nearly impassable due to erosion, insecurity is worsening, and the transformer is already under immense pressure due to rapid population growth. We need urgent government intervention before our efforts are completely undone,” he appealed.
The issue of insecurity has become a major concern, with reports of criminal activities, kidnappings, and drug peddling within the community. The Hausa settlement within Ozoma Hill-Top Estate has, according to residents, become a hotspot for crime, fueling fear and unrest.
Furthermore, the state of the roads is dire. The once-promising estate now faces erosion that cuts off access to homes during the rainy season, with residents sometimes unable to leave their houses for days. The Nwankpa-Issele Azagba road, a critical link to the estate, is in desperate need of construction, and the landlords have had to spend millions every dry season just to make it barely passable.
In light of these pressing issues, the landlords association is making an urgent appeal to the Delta State Government for the following interventions:
- Construction of Nwankpa-Issele Azagba road
- A second 500KVA transformer to ease the burden on the newly installed one
- Enhanced security presence to tackle the growing crime rate
- Inclusion of Ozoma Hill-Top Estate in the Asaba Capital Territory Development Plan
- Establishment of government primary and secondary schools
Despite these challenges, the spirit of Ozoma Hill-Top Estate remains unbroken. Their achievement serves as a bold statement—that communities can drive their own development, but there comes a time when government must step in to support the efforts of its people.
As the sun set on the commissioning day, one thing was clear: Ozoma Hill-Top Estate has set a precedent in self-reliance, but now, they are calling on the government to meet them halfway.
Will their voices be heard? Only time will tell.