0
0
O’DATIWA METERS PROJECT REMAINS MOST TRANSPARENT AND PEOPLE-CENTERED ENERGY REFORMS IN ONDO
…As Commissioner Alabi Maintains Project Carried Out With Regulatory Guidelines
The attention of the Ondo State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has been drawn to a malicious and politically motivated allegation purportedly authored by faceless and unscrupulous entities parading an unregistered group to discredit the Aiyedatiwa led govt.
This document, which is now being circulated both online and through paid media outlets, contains a series of false, mischievous, and unsubstantiated allegations against the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Johnson Alabi, and other officials of the Ministry and its agencies.
A Faceless and Politically Sponsored Petition
It is instructive to note that no known civic or registered entity under the name Ondo Integrity Group (OIG) exists in Ondo State. The so-called group is a faceless political tool assembled to distract the government ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Intelligence available to us confirms that certain disgruntled political actors are behind this smear campaign, having already sponsored online blogs and paid media platforms to circulate fabricated stories designed to discredit a performing Commissioner and tarnish the image of the government.
Notwithstanding our conviction on the calculated mischiefs and their sponsors, the Ministry has decided to clear all doubts as follows:
1. “O’Datiwa Meter Project”
The O’Datiwa Mass Metering Scheme remains one of the most transparent and people-centred energy reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The programme, coordinated by the Ondo State Power Company Limited (OSPC) under the supervision of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB), is being executed in full compliance with state regulatory guidelines and approved frameworks. All transactions relating to the metering scheme are carried out through duly accredited Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and authorized financial channels.
Importantly, the O’Datiwa Meter initiative had always been open to private investors in the meter supply value chain. The call for private partnership became necessary as the OSPC would not be able to meet up with the requirements and the high demand of meters in the State.The process of onboarding interested MAPs in Ondo State with OSERB had equally been very transparent.
For avoidance of doubts, OSERB, as at the last count, has about ten different MAPs who and are currently operating legitimately within the State. This is addition to many other duly registered firms which are conducting legitimate energy business in the State.
It is pertinent to note that each MAP, being a private and commercial entity, conducting their own legitimate transactions in line with regulatory approval, has its independent mode of operations and financial accountability, separate from that of OSPC.
2. False Allegations on Account Diversion and Pricing
Based on (1) above, the false claim that payments for meters were directed into private accounts is mischievous and therefore misleading.
It is in the public domain that the O’Datiwa Meter Scheme has a designated state-controlled account domiciled in JAIZ Bank. In addition, customers may make payments via accredited third-party online platforms, which are also recognized and acceptable under the scheme — similar to approved online payment gateways for other government services.
Furthermore, the price of meters under the programme was jointly approved by the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) in accordance with national standards, ensuring affordability and transparency for all residents. Today O’Datiwa meter is the cheapest in Nigeria. We stand to be corrected.
3. Political Motivation and Media Manipulation
The timing of this petition and the orchestrated online propaganda expose the real motive behind this falsehood — to discredit a key legacy project of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration and weaken public confidence ahead of the general elections.
We are aware that large sums have been spent to sponsor fake news and defamatory materials on social media and fringe online outlets, with the intent of creating confusion and suspicion among citizens.
Ondo people, however, are wiser. They have seen and benefited directly from the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme, which has ended the era of estimated billing and brought transparency and fairness into electricity consumption across the State.
4. Commitment to Accountability
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, alongside OSPC and OSERB, remains open to any legitimate investigation by competent authorities.
5. Conclusion
The Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Johnson Alabi, remains focused and undeterred in his resolve to deliver on the Mr Governor’s energy access, metering, and power infrastructure agenda.
The achievements of the O’Datiwa Mass Metering Scheme, particularly its success in providing affordable meters to thousands of homes, will not be derailed by politically sponsored distractions.
As earlier announced, the programme will soon introduce installment payment options for citizens, expected to commence by late November 2025, to further ease access to meters.
The Ondo State Government reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, but equally warns against the misuse of anti-graft agencies for political vendettas.
While the Ministry is open to constructive criticism on its initiatives, which are mostly disruptive and might sometimes require clarifications, it wishes to categorical State that the recent so-called petition by the faceless Group is nothing but a desperate attempt to destroy a legacy project that has brought pride and relief to the people of Ondo State.
We therefore urge the public to disregard this ill-conceived political blackmail and continue to support the transformative energy reforms currently underway in Ondo State.
About The Author
