Residents of the Ikoto community in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State said they have remained without electricity for over three years.
The residents said they were thrown into total blackout following the collapse of their transformer with no help to get a new one.
The head of Ikoto community, Chief Olugbenga Adebanjo while speaking on behalf of other residents of the area, explained that “many ‘save our soul’ letters were written to the government and the former legislator representing Odogbolu, Atinuke Bello, but no positive result.”
According to Adebanjo, economic activities in the community were affected as many small business owners now rely on petrol-powered generators.
He added that artisans now face a lot of difficulties due to the hike in fuel price occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The community leader spoke on Wednesday while receiving a 500KVA transformer from the Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Lukmon Adeleye.
He emphasised that the three years of no transformer had cut off the community from the national grid, seeking help to get the Adeleye’s transformer energised and to reconnect Ikoto to the national grid.
Reacting, the Ogun Assembly Minority Leader, who is the new lawmaker representing Odogbolu said “Our societies would become better if we all strive to meet the needs of the people.”
Adeleye admitted that the challenges in the Odogbolu constituency were enormous, saying, however, that he would continue to do his best to serve the people.
He expressed optimism that the community would be restored to the national grid
”I am always sad each time I visit the community because of the total darkness, which usually pervades the area.”
