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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has summoned the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, over persistent blackout affecting Osogbo and other major towns across the state.
The governor, who described the situation as unbearable for residents, cited widespread disruptions to daily life and economic activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, by his Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said field reports indicate worsening power supply, with significant negative effects on businesses and households.
“I have received widespread complaints from all our major towns. Businesses are grinding to a halt. We cannot continue like this,” the governor said.
He stated that the IBEDC management had been invited for a consultation aimed at identifying immediate and lasting solutions to the power challenges.
“As much as we know that the power sector is capital intensive and despite the fact that the matter is a national challenge, Osun is suffering a lot. We must work together with IBEDC for a short term solution,” he added.
Adeleke further noted that the state government was pursuing medium and long-term strategies, including diversification of energy sources to address the recurring outages.
“Our state now has the Osun Electricity Law. Before long, we are setting up the Osun Electricity Regulatory Commission to license power generating companies and regulate the power market system,” he said.
He explained that the initiative would open up the state’s energy sector and protect the interests of electricity consumers.
The governor also directed the Commissioner for Energy to organise a stakeholder consultation involving IBEDC and consumer advocacy groups.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke reassured victims of recent rainstorms in the state of the government’s commitment to providing emergency support.
He disclosed that the state emergency agency had commenced the compilation of data on affected individuals, urging victims to submit their details for assistance.
The governor added that contacts had been established with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the National Economic Council to mobilise additional support.
He also commended Osun West Senator, Lere Oyewumi for raising the issue in the floor of the Senate.
Blackout: Gov Adeleke summons IBEDC, assures rainstorm victims of support
