Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has summoned the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company over the prolonged blackout affecting major towns in the state.
The outage followed a rainstorm last Saturday that damaged buildings and electricity infrastructure across parts of Osogbo and other areas.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said the worsening power situation was crippling businesses and affecting residents.
The governor said he had received widespread complaints from major towns across the state, noting that the blackout had brought business activities to a standstill. He added that the management of IBEDC had been invited for discussions aimed at finding immediate solutions to the crisis.
Adeleke acknowledged that the power sector is capital-intensive and largely a national challenge, but stressed that the situation in Osun requires urgent collaboration with IBEDC to provide short-term relief.
He added that the state government is working on medium and long-term measures, including diversifying energy sources through renewable options, while ensuring affordability for residents.
According to the governor, plans are underway to establish a state electricity regulatory commission to oversee power generation and distribution within Osun and protect consumers’ interests.
He also directed the Commissioner for Energy to convene a meeting involving IBEDC and consumer advocacy groups to address the ongoing power challenges.
On the rainstorm, Adeleke said the State Emergency Management Agency had commenced data collection of affected residents, urging victims to submit their details for possible support.
The storm, which hit Osogbo and surrounding areas, destroyed several buildings and disrupted electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, leaving many communities without power.
(Punch)
