“No more NEPA bills”: Okpella monarch scraps electricity charges for entire kingdom

● King Michael Sado says free power takes effect July 1, 2026

In a bold move that has sparked celebration across Etsako East, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella Kingdom, King Michael Sado, has abolished electricity bills for all residents and businesses in the cement town.

The directive took effect today, July 1, 2026, meaning households, shops, schools and healthcare centres will no longer receive individual electricity bills.

—“Welfare First” Agenda–

Announcing the policy during events marking his first-year coronation anniversary, the monarch said the initiative is designed to ease financial pressure, attract investment, and drive sustainable development.

“Free electricity will guarantee uninterrupted power supply to homes, business premises, schools and healthcare facilities, while relieving our people of the burden of electricity payments,” King Sado said.

He described the scheme as a flagship project under his administration’s development agenda, which prioritises infrastructure expansion, education, youth empowerment, and economic growth.

–Part of a Wider Reform Package–

The power waiver complements other programmes launched in the last 12 months, including:

– Scholarship and educational support for indigent students
– Establishment of an ICT Centre to equip youths with digital skills for the modern economy

According to the Okuokpellagbe, the goal is to make Okpella “a model kingdom for community-led development in Edo North and beyond.”

–Residents React With Excitement–

The announcement drew jubilation in Okpella, a major cement-producing hub in Edo.

Resident Suleiman Dekiri described it as “bold and far-reaching.”

“As implementation begins, this initiative has the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of Okpella, boost economic activities, attract investments and enhance our standard of living,” he said.

—What’s Next?—

As of press time, the palace had not released details on the funding mechanism, implementation framework, or operational structure* of the scheme, including how the power will be sourced and sustained.

Residents, however, say they are eager to see the plan rolled out.

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If fully implemented, Okpella will join a small group of Nigerian communities experimenting with subsidised or free communal utilities, a model often tied to local philanthropy, corporate partnerships, or resource-backed funding.