C’River Community Hails Otu for Swift Intervention After 10-Month Blackout
By Ebi COLLINS
The people of Ekong Etta Community in Cross River State have commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for swiftly responding to their appeal for a 500kVA transformer after about 10 months without electricity.
The residents, in a message of appreciation signed by Engr. Johnsmith Okpo on their behalf, described the intervention as a demonstration of the governor’s concern for the welfare of the people, noting that the provision of the transformer had brought renewed hope and relief to households and businesses affected by the prolonged blackout.
The intervention followed an urgent appeal by the Ekong Etta Community Transformer Committee in a letter dated October 7, 2026, requesting the governor’s assistance after repeated efforts to resolve the electricity crisis through the relevant authorities failed to produce the desired result.
In the letter, the committee explained that the community’s existing transformer had become seriously defective, leaving families, businesses, artisans, students and other residents to grapple with the effects of the prolonged power outage.
“Our community has been without electricity for about 10 months and is gradually approaching one full year,” the committee stated, appealing to the governor to provide a 500kVA transformer to restore electricity and ease the hardship faced by residents.
Emphasising the urgency of their situation, the committee wrote: “Ekong Etta is crying for light. Please hear our cry.”
The governor’s response led to the provision of a brand-new 500kVA transformer, prompting an outpouring of appreciation from residents who described the intervention as a timely response to their longstanding electricity challenge.
In their appreciation message, the community said the gesture went beyond the provision of electrical infrastructure, describing it as a reflection of the governor’s commitment to addressing the needs of the people.
“Your Excellency, this gesture is more than the provision of an electrical facility; it is a demonstration of care, compassion, and a commitment to the welfare of the people,” the residents stated.
They added that the intervention had brought relief to the community after months of uncertainty and disruption caused by the lack of electricity.
“Your intervention has brought renewed hope, joy, and relief to our community after a prolonged period of darkness and uncertainty. Today, our people have a strong reason to smile, and we do not take this act of kindness for granted,” the message read.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the community’s elders, women, youths, children and households, the residents thanked the governor for heeding their appeal and providing a solution to their electricity needs.
“On behalf of our elders, women, youths, children, and every household in Ekong Etta, we say thank you, Your Excellency! May God Almighty richly reward you for remembering our people and responding to our needs,” the community stated.
The residents expressed hope that the transformer would help restore electricity-dependent economic activities, support small businesses and artisans, and improve the general living conditions of the people after months of power disruption.
They also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, good health and strength for the governor as he continues to lead Cross River State, while wishing him success in his future political engagements.
The appreciation message, signed by Engr. Johnsmith Okpo on behalf of Ekong Etta residents, reaffirmed the community’s gratitude for the governor’s intervention, which followed their October 7 appeal for urgent assistance to end months of electricity blackout.
