Edo traditional ruler vows to pay all residents' electricity bills in Okpella Kingdom
By Aboki Forex —
The traditional ruler of Okpella Kingdom in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, His Royal Majesty Michael Sado, has announced that his palace will assume responsibility for paying electricity bills for all residents across the community. The monarch declared that, beginning immediately, households in the kingdom would no longer be required to pay their electricity bills, as the palace would fund the payments as part of a community welfare initiative.
Coronation anniversary gesture
According to King Sado, the intervention is one of the landmark programmes introduced to commemorate the first anniversary of his coronation and reflects his commitment to improving the living standards of his people. He explained that access to reliable electricity remains essential for economic activities, education, healthcare and small businesses, adding that easing the financial burden on residents would help stimulate local development.
Broader development agenda
The royal father said the electricity bill payment scheme forms part of his administration's long-term development blueprint focused on infrastructure expansion, education, youth empowerment and economic growth in Okpella Kingdom.
The monarch said: “The programme is part of my administration’s development agenda aimed to expanding infrastructure, improving education, empowering youths and stimulating economic growth in the kingdom.”
King Sado noted that the electricity initiative complements several other social intervention programmes already introduced since he ascended the throne. These include scholarship awards for deserving students, educational support initiatives and the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre to equip young people with digital and technology-related skills.
Call for community support
He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing people-centred policies that would improve the welfare of residents while encouraging sustainable development across the kingdom. The monarch urged members of the community to continue supporting the palace's development programmes, expressing confidence that collective efforts between traditional institutions, government and residents would accelerate progress in Okpella.
Earlier, Legit.ng highlighted facts about the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission's (LASERC) recent decision to prohibit electricity companies from recovering unpaid bills older than 12 months, with specified exceptions. This policy change aims to enhance consumer protection amid rising complaints about back-billing practices that have left many residents feeling overwhelmed by unexpected charges.
As electricity consumers grapple with the implications of this ruling, the LASERC's firm stance against unlawful billing practices signifies a transformative moment for the Lagos electricity market, offering much-needed relief to those burdened by exorbitant historical charges. The decision marks a critical step in safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fair billing practices in the state's electricity supply landscape.