21 April 2014, Lagos – Irregular power supply is crippling economic activities across the country, a Polytechnic lecturer has lamented.
The lecturer, who teaches at a Polytechnic in Ibadan, Oyo State, in an interview, described the power supply in Nigeria, especially in Oyo State as terrible, saying all social and economic activities in the state had been paralyzed by worsening supply of power by Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
Adediji who spoke with Vanguard expressed surprise that some parts of the state could experience 48 hours uninterrupted supply of power because of President Goodluck Jonathan visit to state last week.
It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan was expected at the thanksgiving service of centenary birthday of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade1, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, but he could not attend, as a result of last week’s Nyanya, Abuja, bomb blast that claimed several lives.
The President who was represented by the information Minister, Mr. Labaran Marku, was however in Ibadan on Tuesday, but as soon as he left, the power situation returned to the status quo.
Lamenting the situation, Adediji said, “Unbelieveable! We had uninterrupted power supply at the Airport in Alakia for 48 hours. I can’t remember when last we had this opportunity, no thanks to Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC; it was because Mr. President was here for the centenary birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“This was indeed a royal blessing; it means IBEDC had deliberately been punishing the citizens and charging them heavily for darkness. President Jonathan should please relocate to Airport Alakia Ibadan, so that we can continue to enjoy constant and stable power supply and our death traps called roads in the area can receive Presidential blessing.”
Also speaking, Mr. Paul Folarin, another resident of the area, also complained about the deplorable power supply in the country and Ibadan in particular, saying the new owners had been making life unbearable for Nigerians.
According to Adediji, “if there is sincerity of purpose, we can make things work properly in Nigeria. This same Ibadan that is being neglected is a historical city in Nigeria, and largest city in Africa. The Federal government should provide social amenities, infrastructure and employment opportunity to make life conducive for the citizenry”
– Vanguard