Convener of the BAT Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Bamidele Atoyebi, has praised the Executive Director (Networks) of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo, for his expeditious role in advancing the Rigasa electricity restoration project in Kaduna State, describing his leadership style as one that reflects President Bola Tinubu’s governance philosophy.

Atoyebi described him as a man That represent Tinubu Political Spirit,” pointing out hat Babayo’s intervention helped overcome technical and bureaucratic obstacles that had stalled efforts to restore stable electricity to the Rigasa community, which he said had experienced power challenges for more than 15 years.

According to Atoyebi, the project initially faced setbacks after a preliminary technical assessment concluded that the community’s electricity needs could be addressed by installing a single transformer and transferring the existing Rigasa feeder to a 33kV line, commonly referred to locally as Band A. The report also ruled out the need for constructing a dedicated injection substation.

However, Atoyebi said his team disputed the findings, arguing that the proposed solution would not address the underlying capacity constraints within the network.

He said Babayo subsequently sponsored an independent technical re-assessment using his personal funds to avoid bureaucratic delays. According to Atoyebi, the reassessment was completed within 24 to 48 hours and confirmed that constructing an injection substation was necessary to ensure a sustainable electricity supply for the area.

“The rapid field validation corrected the flawed assumptions contained in the initial report and provided a clearer technical basis for executing the project,” Atoyebi wrote.

He added that the Rigasa electricity project has now reached its final stage of execution.

Atoyebi also claimed that residents of Rigasa had spent more than five years seeking a lasting solution to the electricity challenge without success, including during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the prolonged electricity problem contributed to public dissatisfaction and protests during the 2023 elections, but noted the ongoing intervention has improved public perception within the community.

He further argued that Babayo’s approach differed from what he described as politically motivated interventions focused on publicity rather than lasting infrastructure, saying the NDPHC executive prioritized addressing the community’s long-term electricity needs instead of implementing temporary measures.

Atoyebi linked Babayo’s actions to President Tinubu’s broader electricity reform agenda, noting ongoing federal investments in power infrastructure, efforts to clear legacy debts in the gas sector, and reforms aimed at expanding electricity access across the country.

The BAT-IG convener also said his organisation intends to continue identifying underserved communities and presenting their needs to relevant government agencies.

According to Atoyebi, when the group informed Babayo that about 300 additional communities had approached it over electricity challenges, the NDPHC executive responded by asking the group to bring forward the requests for consideration.

Atoyebi also commended Engr. Jennifer Adighije and her team for what he described as their commitment to supporting infrastructure development and effective leadership.

He concluded by expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing officials whom he described as dedicated public servants, while expressing hope that Babayo’s performance would earn him greater responsibilities in the future.