A chieftain of the Light Up Ndokwa movement, Mr. Lucky Oliogu, has called on political leaders from Ndokwa and Ukwuani extraction to urgently address the prolonged electricity blackout plaguing the region, warning that the continued lack of power is crippling the local economy and worsening hardship for residents.

Oliogu made the call while addressing community stakeholders, stressing that pride in one’s origin must translate into bold demands for development and improved living conditions.

“When you are proud of where you come from, it gives you the power to demand development,” he said. “This is why I am using this opportunity to call on all Ndokwa politicians currently in positions of authority to act decisively on the issue of stepping down the Independent Power Project (IPP) to our communities this year.”

He specifically appealed to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, a prominent Ndokwa son, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, as well as the chairmen of the three local government areas in Ndokwa/Ukwuani, to “do the needful” in the interest of the people.

According to Oliogu, Ndokwa/Ukwuani, despite being an oil-producing region, has endured decades of persistent blackout, a situation he described as unacceptable in the 21st century.

“As oil-producing communities, we do not deserve darkness anymore,” he declared. “The economy of our region is collapsing daily because businesses cannot survive without electricity. Artisans, small-scale traders, welders, tailors, and young entrepreneurs are being pushed out of business due to the continued absence of stable power supply.”

He noted that the absence of electricity has not only stifled economic growth but also contributed to rising unemployment, youth restiveness, and the migration of skilled labour to other parts of the state and country.

The Light Up Ndokwa chieftain emphasized that the step-down of the IPP would stimulate industrial activities, attract investment, and improve the quality of life across Ndokwa and Ukwuani communities.

“This is not too much to ask,” Oliogu added. “What we are demanding is development, fairness, and inclusion. Our leaders must remember that history will judge them by what they did for their people while in power.”

He urged community leaders, youths, and civil society groups to continue engaging relevant authorities peacefully until concrete steps are taken to end the long-standing power crisis in the area.