Hundreds of youths from Ososo, Ojah and Ijiranmi communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State protested an eight-month power outage on Friday. The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, said the prolonged power outage has crippled economic activities and stalled development in the affected communities. They demanded an alternative power distribution company if the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) could no longer supply power. The protest temporarily disrupted activities at the premises of the Edo State Ministry of Power.
The spokesman of the protesters, Mr Bernard Gomina, said the protest was to draw attention to the hardship in the affected communities. He alleged that the communities contributed money for the repair of faulty equipment, but the problems persisted. Gomina also accused the BEDC of slamming them with what he termed outrageous estimated bills. The protesters' demands were also supported by the lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II in the Edo State House of Assembly, Donald Okogbe.
Okogbe, who joined the protesters, said the people were frustrated by the prolonged outage. He called on relevant agencies to give a license to an alternative firm that would ensure steady power supply. Okogbe urged the Edo Electricity Regulatory Commission to explore the possibility of removing the affected communities from BEDC’s coverage. He emphasized that steady power supply is essential for economic growth and the well-being of the people.
The Chairman of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr Shittu Shaibu, assured the protesters that the Commission was aware of the situation and was working to resolve it. Shaibu did not provide a timeline for resolving the issue but promised that the Commission would look into the matter. The Edo Commissioner for Power, Paul Osenbo, urged the protesters to submit a memo detailing their complaints.
The protest comes as the BEDC received 75,000 free meters from the Federal Government. The distribution of the meters is expected to improve power supply and reduce estimated billing. However, the communities have been without power for eight months, and the protesters are seeking a more permanent solution. The issue has also raised concerns about the performance of the BEDC in providing reliable power supply.
The Edo State Government has been working to improve power supply in the state. Five years after a previous disconnection, the state government recently reconnected to the BEDC. The government is also exploring alternative power solutions, including the development of an independent power plant. The protesters' demands for an alternative power distribution company have added to the pressure on the government to find a solution.
The protest has highlighted the challenges faced by communities in accessing reliable power supply. The situation has also underscored the need for a more effective regulatory framework to ensure that power distribution companies provide quality services to consumers. The outcome of the protest and the government's response will be crucial in determining the future of power supply in the affected communities.
Key points
- The protesters demanded an alternative power distribution company if the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) could no longer supply power.
- The lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II in the Edo State House of Assembly, Donald Okogbe, supported the protesters' demands.
- The Chairman of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr Shittu Shaibu, assured the protesters that the Commission was working to resolve the issue.
