Oyo community leaders seek completion of 15-year-old power project
Leaders from Ibarapa in Oyo State operating under the umbrella of the Initiative for Ibarapa Electricity, have implored the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to ensure the completion of a longstanding power project in the region.
The high-level delegation, led by the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, conveyed this request during a visit to the minister in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The delegation, representing the seven towns and three local governments comprising the Ibarapa zone in Oyo State, was warmly received by the Minister, along with Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz, Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and Mr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency.
Oba Titiloye sought the minister’s support in ensuring the timely completion of a power line project that has been ongoing for 15 years, highlighting the adverse consequences of the persistent lack of electricity in the community.
A member of the delegation and the convener of the initiative, Akinyemi Akinlabi, emphasised the negative impacts, including an increase in crime rates, diminished productivity, closure of industries, and an overall decline in the quality of life.
In response, Abdulaziz acknowledged the project’s progress stages, attributing the delays to insufficient funds.
The minister expressed an understanding of the challenges faced by the Ibarapa people and pledged to explore viable solutions within the shortest possible time.
The delegation also included Onidere of Idere, Oba Aderoju Kingsley; Oluaso of Iberekodo, Oba Adedamola Badmus; Onilala of Lanlate, Oba Sunday Oladejo; Asawo of Ayete, Oba Okeniyi Ewuola; Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola; Odofin of Eruwa, Oba Olayide Ojedapo; as well as Hon. Fatai Salawu, Hon. Habib Ibrahim, Hon. Funsho Adeleke, Hon. Bimbo Adepoju, Hon. Bayo Aderounmu, and Mr. Surajudeen Adegbite.
