Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has called on citizens to protect newly commissioned electricity projects from vandals. He stressed that these projects, crucial to the economic development of local communities, should be closely monitored by residents. He made this statement while commissioning power projects across three local government areas, urging citizens to take responsibility for the safety of the infrastructure.
Governor Oyebanji inaugurated a 33 KVA electricity project in Ijero Ekiti, aimed at boosting power supply and economic activities in the area. He also commissioned another electricity project for the Ilawe-Igbala Odo axis, emphasizing the importance of electricity in the growth and prosperity of towns and communities.
“Electricity and development go hand in hand. Without consistent power, it is difficult for any community to thrive,” Oyebanji said. He stressed that businesses like tailoring, welding, and baking would flourish with a stable power supply, which would also encourage professionals such as teachers and doctors to remain in the community instead of seeking transfers to better-served areas.
Oyebanji urged residents to form surveillance groups to protect the infrastructure from vandals. He pointed out that those responsible for damaging public property often come from within the communities, stating, “Those who are destroying our facilities are living among us. Help us appeal to them to stop this harmful act. This project is for the benefit of all, not just Ijero but all surrounding towns as well.”
The Governor explained that the newly commissioned power projects would benefit numerous communities and would serve as a catalyst for economic growth. He warned that the failure to protect these facilities would result in negative consequences, not only for the current generation but for future ones.
The Governor also addressed concerns regarding electricity billing, encouraging the people of Ijero to work with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities to ensure that all households are properly metered. He assured the community that once metering was done, they would no longer face issues related to bulk or estimated billing, a common problem in many parts of Nigeria. “I want to discourage the culture of bulk or estimated billings so that you can only pay for the electricity you use,” he added.
Oyebanji promised to extend the electricity project to the General Hospital in Ijero Ekiti, highlighting the importance of ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, has access to consistent power. This, he said, would allow the hospital to better serve the community.
Apart from the electricity projects, Governor Oyebanji also acknowledged the poor state of the Aramoko-Ijero road, which has been a source of frustration for commuters. He explained that although the road is a federal project, his administration is working with federal lawmakers to speed up repairs. “We are intensifying efforts to ensure that this road receives the necessary attention from the federal government,” he said.
In his remarks, the Governor also called for peace in Ayegunle, a community under Ijero Ekiti, which has been experiencing unrest due to a dispute between the traditional ruler and a faction of the community. He urged the people to allow their leaders to resolve the matter and stressed that continued unrest would hinder the development of the town.
In Ilawe Ekiti, where Governor Oyebanji also commissioned an electricity extension project, he noted that the new infrastructure would provide a more stable power supply for the surrounding communities. The areas, which previously relied on power from Ondo State, will now receive electricity from the Ado Ekiti 33 KVA substation.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, also highlighted the significance of the project. He stated that the towns which had previously been connected to far-off power sources, such as Omu-Aran in Kwara State, would now enjoy more reliable electricity from Ado Ekiti. “This is a major achievement for the current administration. Electricity is the lifeblood of development, and this project will bring stable power to many more communities in Ekiti,” he said.
The Regional Head of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Mrs. Akin Afuye-Moyosola, commended Governor Oyebanji for his collaboration with the company to reconnect several Ekiti communities to the national grid. She noted that the government’s efforts to improve power supply in the state were making a noticeable difference in the lives of the people.
Traditional rulers and community leaders were also full of praise for the Governor. The Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, and the President of the Ijero Development Forum, Otunba Niyi Babade, both expressed their gratitude for the electricity project and urged the people to safeguard the infrastructure. Oba Adewole noted that the lack of stable electricity had caused hardship for many residents and had even led some government workers to seek transfers out of the town.
“This project has brought an end to our suffering. For too long, we had low voltage that couldn’t power anything. Now, we are hopeful that this will mark a new beginning for Ijero,” said Oba Adewole. He also pointed out that the government had fulfilled the conditions set by the BEDC to ensure the success of the project.
The monarchs of Ilawe and Igbara Odo, Oba Adebanji Alabi and Oba Edward Jayeola, also praised the Governor for his efforts. They highlighted other developmental projects in the area, including the reconstruction of the Ogotun-Ikogosi road and the Ilawe-Ikere road, which had been neglected for decades.
“Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to the people of Ekiti is evident in the numerous projects he has undertaken,” Oba Jayeola said. “We will continue to support his administration to ensure the success of his six-point agenda.”
