By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY

THE Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East local government area, His Majesty, Michael Sado said he would take over the payment of the electricity bills of the people of his community from July 1st.

He announced this gesture while receiving delegates from his ruling areas as part of activities marking his first coronation anniversary.

King Sado said the initiative is a major way of improving the welfare of the people and driving sustainable development across the kingdom.

He said the electricity bill payment initiative would guarantee uninterrupted power supply to homes, business premises, schools and healthcare facilities, while relieving residents of the financial burden associated with electricity payments.

He said the programme is part of his administration’s development agenda aimed at expanding infrastructure, improving education, empowering youths and stimulating economic growth in the kingdom.

The traditional ruler noted that the power initiative was in addition to several other initiatives for his community which included scholarship awards, educational support programmes and the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre designed to equip young people with digital skills.

A resident of the community, Suleiman Dekiri, described the initiative as a bold and far-reaching initiative that could boost economic activities, attract investments and enhance the standard of living of the people.

“As implementation begins, this initiative has the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of Okpella,” he said.

Details of the implementation framework, funding mechanism and operational structure of the electricity scheme is expected to be made public.

The announcement has generated excitement among residents, who are awaiting the commencement of the initiative.