Wild jubilation erupts in Ekiti community as LG Chairman restores electricity after 10 yrs darkness
It was jubilation galore yesterday in Ilupeju Ijan-Ekiti, in Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State, as electricity was restored back to the community after a record of over 10 years total blackout.
The development, which instantly marked the end of arrowing experience that residents had been going through over the years, saw all class of people, troop out to rejoice, amidst various displays, to express their happiness.
The crowd comprised both the traditional institution, men and women, old and young, working class, artisans, traders and students, who sang victory songs while several others, danced mechanically.
It was at the commissioning of the electricity project, held at the community, and performed by the Executive Chairman of the LCDA), Hon. Damilare Ajayi, in company with the council management team.
Also present were the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Lawrence Adebanji Aladesuyi, the Onijan of Ijan- Ekiti, his Chiefs, and other top community leaders.
At the event, filled with excitement, residents expressed their joy, upon witnessing the restoration of power after long years of waiting endlessly.
Speaking, Ajayi congratulated, and rejoiced with residents on the feat, saying welfare and wellbeing of people of the entire council are, remained his top priority.
The chairman also said the significant milestone, not only represented a vital step toward modernization for the community, but also practically symbolises the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and as being religiously replicated across the state by governor Oyebanji in Ekiti State, for continued development, and upliftment of the people generally.
He therefore emphasised the importance of safeguarding the newly installed transformer, and ensuring its proper maintenance to prevent theft or damage.
He also urged the community to work closely with officials from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), advocating for unity and cooperation, as well as the establishment of a committee for efficient oversight of electricity management.
Ajayi reassured residents that all previous debts, owed to the power distribution company had been settled, therefore allowing the residents to begin afresh with their billing.
He encouraged them to also continually fulfill their tax obligations, so as to enhance the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of the local council, which he said, would in turn, facilitate further infrastructural developments and improvements in more public services.
He expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his prompt approval, in making the electricity restoration, a reality.
Community leaders, including Baale, Prince Adeniku Obarinde, youth leader Mr. Abegunde Samuel, Hon. Taye Aremu, and Iyaloja, in their reaction, spoke glowingly about the current administration in the state, and collectively thanked the governor and the Council Chairman for their efforts in bringing electricity back to the community.
Reacting to the challenge, posed by the Council Chairman, Baale Obarinde acknowledged the existence of a functional committee, and pledged their commitment to fully cooperating with BEDC officials.
He also advocated for additional developmental projects, particularly the improvement of the roads, connecting Ilupeju Ijan-Ekiti to Aisegba Ekiti.
In response to the requests, the Council Chairman assured the community that plans were in the offing to address the roadway, during the forthcoming dry season, further underscoring the present day government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Ilupeju Ijan-Ekiti and other places.
