Oduga Community Presents Appreciation Letter to FirstPower Over Intervention on Vandalized Transformer
October 13, 2026
The people of Oduga Community in Uzoakwa, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, have commended FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited for repairing and restoring their vandalised 500kVA transformer at no cost to the community.
The community expressed its appreciation on Monday, October 12, when a delegation led by the Chairman of the Oduga Community Transformer Committee, Chief Maxie Onyekwere (also a Permanent Secretary Emeritus), visited the company’s headquarters in Awka to present a letter of appreciation to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor.
The delegation also included the Secretary of the Committee, Barr. Izuchukwu Nsofor, and was received by the FirstPower, MD Engr. Okafor; alongside the Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Dr. Emeka Egbujor; and the Head of Operations, Engr. Ifeoma Uba.
In its letter, the community expressed gratitude to FirstPower for intervening in the longstanding technical problem affecting the transformer, describing the decision to undertake the repairs without charging the community as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to its customers and improved service delivery.
The transformer had been vandalised by suspected hoodlums, three of whom were apprehended with the assistance of community members and handed over to the police. The suspects were reportedly accosted while allegedly attempting to move the transformer with the aid of a Hiab vehicle.
Following the incident, the community formally reported the vandalism to FirstPower and requested the company’s intervention. The company subsequently inspected the facility, carried out the necessary repairs, replaced the vandalised components and re-energised the transformer.
According to the community’s appreciation letter, the effectiveness of the repairs was confirmed on September 5, 2026 when supply was restored in the area at about 10 p.m., which lasted till the following day, with residents also confirming and testifying to that.
The community also specifically acknowledged the dedication shown by the company’s technical and field personnel involved in inspecting, diagnosing and repairing the transformer, commending their cooperation, professionalism and commitment throughout the process.
Beyond the commendation, the community also appealed for improved hours of supply in Ihiala, highlighting its expected multi-sectoral impacts in the area.
Responding, the Managing Director/CEO of FirstPower, Engr. Okafor, appreciated the community for formally acknowledging the company’s intervention and for its cooperation in addressing the incident. He stressed the importance of collaboration between electricity distribution companies and the communities they serve, particularly in protecting critical electricity infrastructure against vandalism and other criminal activities.
He commended the community members who helped apprehend the suspects and hand them over to the police, noting that community vigilance and timely reporting were essential to protecting electricity assets and preventing disruptions to supply.
Engr. Okafor reaffirmed FirstPower’s commitment to restoring damaged infrastructure and improving service delivery within the limits of available resources and operational capacity. He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant, protect electricity installations in their neighbourhoods and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The company and the community delegation also justified the strengthened protection of the transformer with CCTV cameras and streetlights, which have already been installed around the facility.
On the appeal for improved duration of supply, the FirstPower MD assured us that the ongoing work on the transmission line would significantly improve electricity supply to Ihiala and environs, upon completion, with a target of at least 12 hours of supply daily by December 2026
The visit further shows the importance of cooperation between electricity consumers and distribution companies in tackling infrastructure vandalism, which often results in prolonged outages, expensive repairs and avoidable hardship for affected communities.
