The Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Tuesday, urged the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to resolve the issue of prolonged power outage in many Ondo communities.

Akeredolu made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the management of BEDC to him in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ondo South Senatorial District and most parts of Ondo North Senatorial District have been in darkness between two and five years due to indebtedness to BEDC.

The governor said the issue had to be seriously addressed and suggested metering the communities as a permanent solution to the problem.

“That’s the only lasting solution. Since we came, this problem has been raised by all communities. They cannot remain without light.

“Let us adopt the stick and carrot approach; first, give them light, and then I am sure they will pay.

“When there is light, it will also be easier to collect the debts owed. We will continue to see what we can do to invest more in power supply and prevent vandalism,” Akeredolu said.

Earlier, Mrs Funke Osibodu, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BEDC expressed her passion for empowerment of the youth, being the largest group in Nigeria’s population.

Osibodu urged the state government to collaborate with the company to create job opportunities for the youths through some technical institutions with relevant curriculum.

“Since we took over, we have employed close to 400 youths who are creating energy, and we would want to continue with the process by partnering with you in that area,” she said.

Mrs Kunbi Labi, Head, Ondo/Ekiti BEDC, told newsmen during the visit that six communities in Akoko environment would soon be restored to the power grid. (NAN)