The Ijero-Ekiti Youth Development Forum (IYDF) has called for urgent government intervention over what it describes as prolonged and inadequate electricity supply to the town.
In a statement signed by its Director of Communications and Media, Fisayo Ojaoba, the forum said residents of Ijero-Ekiti currently receive less than two hours of electricity supply in a week, despite improved supply reported in some neighbouring communities.
The group said the poor power supply was affecting businesses, healthcare facilities, students and households, with many residents relying heavily on generators. It alleged that some businesses and artisans had either relocated to areas with better electricity supply or closed down as a result of the situation.
The IYDF is demanding an immediate review of the electricity allocation to Ijero, as well as an audit of transformers and feeder lines serving the community. It also called for an end to estimated billing for electricity it says is not supplied and urged the deployment of prepaid meters across Ijero Local Government Area.
The forum appealed to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Ekiti State Government to intervene. It said improved electricity supply was necessary to support economic activity and public services in Ijero-Ekiti, stressing that residents should receive equitable treatment as electricity consumers.
