Residents of Ijero-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area in Ekiti State, Nigeria, are facing an intolerable electricity crisis. The community now receives less than two hours of power supply in a week, according to the Ijero-Ekiti Youth Development Forum (IYDF). This prolonged blackout has crippled businesses, disrupted healthcare services, and made life increasingly difficult for residents. The IYDF has called for urgent intervention by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the state government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The Ijero-Ekiti Youth Development Forum (IYDF) expressed concern that while Ijero remains in prolonged darkness, some neighbouring communities in the same distribution network enjoy significantly longer hours of electricity supply. IYDF President John Afolabi stated that the issue is not merely about electricity supply but equal access to public infrastructure. He emphasized that the people of Ijero-Ekiti pay their electricity bills and taxes, entitling them to the same national infrastructure as other Nigerians.
The prolonged blackout has particularly affected artisans and small-scale businesses in Ijero-Ekiti, with some relocating to areas with better electricity supply and others forced to shut down. Students struggle to study at night, while healthcare facilities increasingly rely on generators to provide essential services. Families are also forced to spend a substantial part of their income on fuel and generator maintenance due to the persistent power shortage.
The IYDF demands an immediate review of electricity allocation to Ijero-Ekiti and wants BEDC to work towards providing 12-16 hours of daily electricity supply. The forum also calls for an urgent technical audit of transformers and feeder lines serving Ijero, with repairs or replacement of faulty infrastructure where necessary. Additionally, they demand an end to arbitrary estimated billing, insisting that prepaid meters should be deployed in the local government area.
The Ijero-Ekiti Youth Development Forum (IYDF) has urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Ekiti State government to investigate the situation and ensure that BEDC addresses the electricity challenges confronting the community. The forum emphasized that the people of Ijero-Ekiti are not second-class citizens and deserve equal access to public infrastructure.
The situation in Ijero-Ekiti has become disturbing, with the community facing significant challenges due to the prolonged electricity shortage. The IYDF's call for intervention highlights the need for urgent action to address the issue. The state government, BEDC, and NERC must work together to resolve the electricity crisis in Ijero-Ekiti.
The Ijero-Ekiti electricity crisis is a reminder of the challenges faced by many communities in Nigeria. The IYDF's demands for improved electricity supply, technical audits, and prepaid meters reflect the needs of the community. The government's response to the situation will be crucial in determining the future of electricity supply in Ijero-Ekiti.
Key points
- Residents of Ijero-Ekiti receive less than two hours of power supply per week.
- The Ijero-Ekiti Youth Development Forum demands 12-16 hours of daily electricity supply.
- The forum calls for an urgent technical audit of transformers and feeder lines serving Ijero-Ekiti.
