Photo: Governor Otu
By: Mandy Park
Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has delivered electricity to Itega Okpudu community in Yala Local Government Area, ending decades of darkness and marking a major development breakthrough for residents.
A report by The Voice of the Central said the restoration of power supply followed a pledge made by Governor Otu to improve the living standards of the community through access to reliable electricity.
According to the report, on September 1, 2025, the governor directed the Director-General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency, Hon. Francis Ekpo, to ensure the provision of electricity to the area.
The directive has since been fully implemented, with residents now enjoying regular power supply.
The return of electricity is expected to stimulate economic activities, enhance security, boost small-scale businesses and improve access to social services in the community, which had previously depended on costly alternative energy sources.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mr. Oko Inyaka described the development as historic, noting that many had lost hope of ever being connected to the national grid.
“We are grateful to Governor Prince Bassey Otu for remembering Itega Okpudu. This is a dream come true for us. I never imagined I would see electricity in this community in my lifetime,” he said.
The electrification of Itega Okpudu, the report noted, is in line with the Otu administration’s broader agenda of inclusive development and improved infrastructure across rural areas of Cross River State.
Gov. Otu has continued to prioritise rural electrification as part of his commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.
Notably, his administration recently launched an ambitious project to provide electricity to 10,000 homes through Solar Home Systems, targeting rural and off-grid communities across the state.
