Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has summoned the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBRDC) over persistent blackout at Osogbo and other major towns in the state, describing the situation as “unbearable for residents”

In a statement issued today Thursday, the governor lamented that field reports confirmed the worsening power supply and the negative effects on businesses and residents, affirming that the IBEDC needs to explain the challenges with a view to finding a lasting solution.

“I have received widespread complaints from all our major towns. Businesses are grinding to a halt. We cannot continue like this. I am inviting the management of the IBEDC for brainstorming to find a way out.

“As much as we know that the power sector is capital intensive and despite the fact that the matter is a national challenge, Osun is suffering a lot. We must work together with IBEDC for a short term solution.

“As a government, the medium and long term solution is to diversify sources of energy supply. Renewable energy is a sustainable alternative but it must be affordable. Our government is working hard to support the renewable energy sector.

“Our state now has the Osun Electricity law. Before long, we are setting up the Osun Electricity Regulatory Commission to licence power generating companies and regulate the power market system. This will open up the state energy sector and also protect the best interest of IBEDC customers.

“While that is ongoing, we must interrogate the IBEDC for immediate solutions. The Commissioner for Energy is to organise the consultation as quickly as possible. We will also invite consumer advocacy groups for the meeting”, the governor noted.

On the support for rainstorm victims, the governor said the state emergency agency is already compiling names and details of victims, adding that the agency has been directed to ensure that all victims are captured in the data compilation.

Governor Adeleke said victims are also encouraged to submit their details at the emergency agency office, promising that the state government is working on local and national support for the victims.

He disclosed that contacts have been established with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as well as the National Economic Council (NEC) to rally support for the victims, commending the Osun West Senator, Lere Oyewumi, for raising the unfortunate incident on the floor of the Senate.