IBEDC Appeals for Support on Electricity Restoration in Igboora, Other Ibarapa Towns
By Opeyemi Olawore
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has appealed to Ibarapa Indigenes, Residents, Students of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora and Traditional Rulers in the towns over the total blackout in Igboora, Idere, Ayete, Tapa and Gangan.
Speaking on behalf of IBEDC Management, the Chief Technical Officer for Apata & Ibarapa, Engr. Gabriel Olaifa explained that the two major challenges obstructing electricity supply in the areas have been identified as vegetation and obsolete equipment.
He revealed that the IBEDC has carried out vegetation twice while the Federal Government has awarded contract for the rehabilitation of the obsolete equipment which will commence by October.
Engr. Olaifa promised that the challenge would soon be over, while promising that all stakeholders will be carried along as the work progresses.
The Local Government Chairman who was represented by the Chief of Staff Hon. Yemi Atilola called for caution among students. He acknowledged that Students as well as business owners need electricity supply for successful academic pursuit and profitable venture but appealed to students and indigenes not to vandalize government or IBEDC properties.
He noted that vandalizing properties will rather prolong lack of electricity supply to the Igboora and its environs. Hon. Atilola revealed that the local Government Chairman is not resting on his oars towards the provision of constant electricity to his people.
The Olu of Igboora, HRM Oba Jimoh Titiloye commended both students and indigenes for their patience. The Olu of Igboora revealed that many businesses have been paralyzed due to failure in the supply of electricity. The Monarch requested for an all-inclusive committee that will monitor a hitch-free installation process.
The Olu Aso of Iberekodo, HRM Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmos in his submission explained that the Ibarapa people are ever willing to collaborate with IBEDC for the restoration of electricity to the region.
The Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi who led other Principal Officers to Igboora Community Town Hall called for speedy restoration of electricity in the area for efficient teaching and learning.
Engr. Adeola Ojediran therefore appreciated all stakeholders in Ibarapa Land for their regular support, while pledging that the challenge will soon be a thing of the past.
Com. Idris Jimoh, the Vice Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students for Oyo State and OYSCATECH Students Union Government President, Com. Adelaja maintained that the Students academic experience cannot be complete with constant supply of electricity. They called for speedy restoration of electricity in order to prevent further demonstrations by students.
The stakeholders meeting was well attended by the IBEDC representatives, the Management of OYSCATECH, various Associations, Landlords, Security Committees, traditional Rulers and Representatives including Onisaganun of Saganun, the Baba Aso of Igbole, the Onidere of Idere, Chiefs and a host of others.
It would be recalled that Students of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora recently demonstrated showing their displeasure about the total blackout in Igboora and environs.