Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to attend a meeting following prolonged power outages affecting major towns in the state after a rainstorm damaged infrastructure and buildings.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said he had received multiple reports highlighting the worsening electricity situation and its impact on residents and businesses, and requested the company provide explanations while working towards a lasting solution.
“I have received widespread complaints from all our major towns. Businesses are grinding to a halt. We cannot continue like this.
I am inviting the management of the IBEDC for a brainstorming session to find a solution.
“While we understand that the power sector is capital-intensive and that this is a national challenge, Osun is suffering greatly. We must work together with IBEDC to find a short-term solution.
“As a government, the medium and long-term solution is to diversify sources of energy supply. Renewable energy is a sustainable alternative, but it must be affordable.
“Our government is working hard to support the renewable energy sector,” Adeleke said.
He noted that his administration is already taking steps to improve electricity supply, including the establishment of a legal framework for the sector within the state.
He added, “Before long, we are setting up the Osun Electricity Regulatory Commission to license power-generating companies and regulate the power market system.
“This will open up the state’s energy sector and protect the best interests of IBEDC customers.”
On the aftermath of the rainstorm, Adeleke said the State Emergency Management Agency has begun compiling details of affected residents and properties.
He urged victims to register their losses with the agency, assuring that the government would seek both local and national assistance for them.
The storm, which struck Osogbo and surrounding areas, caused widespread damage to buildings as well as electricity and telecommunications facilities, leaving many communities without power and disrupting economic activities.
