By Our Correspondent
National News – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has summoned the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to an urgent meeting over the persistent electricity blackout affecting several towns across the state.
The development follows a destructive rainstorm that damaged buildings and critical power infrastructure last weekend, leaving many residents and businesses without electricity.
The governor’s directive was announced on Thursday through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo.
According to the statement, Adeleke called the meeting after receiving widespread complaints from residents and business owners about worsening electricity supply and its growing economic impact.
Adeleke said the prolonged outage had forced businesses to slow operations or shut down temporarily, stressing that the situation required immediate collaboration between the state government and the power distribution company.
“I have received widespread complaints from our major towns. Businesses are grinding to a halt, and residents are struggling with the power outage,” the governor said.
“We are inviting IBEDC management for a brainstorming session to find a short-term solution and ensure power is restored as quickly as possible.”
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s electricity sector faces broader national challenges and high infrastructure costs, Adeleke stressed that Osun residents should not continue to bear the burden of prolonged blackouts.
The governor also explained that his administration is working toward long-term energy reforms to prevent similar crises in the future.
According to him, the state government plans to diversify energy sources by promoting renewable power solutions that are both reliable and affordable.
He disclosed that the state has already enacted an electricity law and is preparing to establish the Osun Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The commission will license power-generating companies and regulate the electricity market within the state to improve supply and protect consumers.
Meanwhile, Adeleke said the State Emergency Management Agency had begun compiling details of residents whose homes and businesses were damaged during the storm.
He urged victims to submit their information so the government could mobilise assistance and seek support from national and local partners.
The storm reportedly destroyed several buildings and disrupted electricity and telecommunications infrastructure across Osogbo and surrounding communities, leaving thousands of residents without power days after the incident.
