Residents and business owners in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, are facing a significant challenge with the recent drop in electricity supply in the area. This issue has led to losses for many as they prepare to celebrate Easter and the beginning of Ramadan.
From the end of February to March, towns in Osun State, particularly Osogbo, have been experiencing inconsistent power supply. This has had a detrimental impact on businesses in the area, with many struggling to cope with the worsening situation.
Helen Opeyemi, a business owner, expressed her frustration with the situation, stating that this year’s Easter has been particularly difficult due to the high cost of goods and the sudden decline in power supply. Similarly, Tayo Babatunde, a hairstylist, highlighted the challenges she faces in running her salon business without reliable electricity.
In response to the power outage, many residents are now considering investing in solar products as an alternative power source. This shift towards solar energy is driven by the high cost of fuel and the unreliability of traditional power sources.
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has attributed the power supply issues to various factors, including supply from generating companies, energy theft, and vandalism. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, with the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) threatening to protest at the IBEDC head office in Osogbo.
In light of the situation, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Commissioner for Energy to engage with IBEDC management to find a solution to the power problem affecting residents in the state. Additionally, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that the national power grid has been restored following a recent collapse.
Despite the challenges, IBEDC has assured customers in its franchise area of stable power supply during the Easter celebrations. The company’s Managing Director, Engineer Kingsley Achife, has pledged to keep the technical team on standby to address any issues that may arise during the festivities.
Overall, the power supply issues in Osogbo highlight the importance of reliable electricity for businesses and residents alike. As the community navigates these challenges, there is a growing interest in alternative energy sources such as solar power to mitigate the impact of future outages.
