The All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), has commenced the fulfilment of his pledge to restore electricity to over 50 communities across Ogun Waterside Local Government Area and parts of Ogun East Senatorial District that have remained without power supply for more than ten years.
The project, which is being financed through the senator’s personal resources, follows a commitment he made during a recent consultative visit to the affected communities, where he promised to facilitate the restoration of electricity infrastructure destroyed by years of vandalism and neglect.
As part of the implementation process, funds have now been released and contractors mobilised to begin work on the extensive re-electrification programme aimed at reconnecting numerous communities to the national grid and reviving economic and social activities in the area.
Communities captured under the Ogun Waterside phase of the project include Onikintimbo, Gbegude, Olorunsogo, Malofe, Itebu-Manuwa, Mile 3 and Mile 4, Igede, Oni, Alo, Olojumeta, Ibiade, Agodo, Tigara, Igbafo, Ilushin, Camps, Agbure, Efire, Lomiro, Obu, Ayede, Abigi, Ayila, Ita Ogun, Ita Otu, Makun Omi, Igbo Edu, Ode Omi and Awodikora, among several others.
The intervention also extends to communities within Ijebu East Local Government Area, including J3 Junction, Mafowoku, Triangle, Fowoseje, Fotedo, Itapanpa, Denurin, Malara, Terelu, Toliwo, Uba, Ebute Imobi, Oki Igbode, Itasin, Araromi, Togunselu and Orita J4.
Speaking on the initiative, Senator Adeola said he was deeply concerned after discovering that many communities that once enjoyed electricity had been plunged into darkness for over a decade following the destruction of critical power infrastructure.
According to him, the prolonged blackout has had devastating consequences on education, commerce, healthcare delivery and the overall quality of life of residents.
The senator noted that while government has numerous competing demands on limited resources, individuals with the capacity to support community development should also contribute to improving the welfare of the people.
“I was disturbed to learn that a vast area of our state has been left in darkness for more than ten years, with serious implications for economic growth and the standard of living of the people. It is not everything we should leave for government alone. That informed my decision to undertake this intervention and ensure that electricity is restored to these communities,” he stated.
During a meeting with the project contractor and representatives of the benefiting communities, including the member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lawal Samusideen Adekunle, Senator Adeola urged the contractors to expedite work and ensure timely completion of the project.
He expressed optimism that the restoration of power supply would significantly improve socio-economic activities and bring renewed hope to residents who have endured years of hardship resulting from the absence of electricity.
The intervention has already attracted commendation from stakeholders across Ogun Waterside.
In a letter of appreciation addressed to the senator, the Ogun Waterside Patriotic Forum described the initiative as a life-changing intervention capable of transforming the fortunes of the affected communities.
The letter, jointly signed by the Ojutumoro of Abigi and Chairman of the Ogun Waterside Council of Obas, Oba Olusegun Ogunye; former member of the House of Representatives and former Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abiodun Abudu Balogun; former Commissioner for Education and former Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Segun Awonusi; Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, Hon. Adetoye Odunoiki; and Engineer Afolabi Ganiyu, praised Senator Adeola for responding to a challenge that had lingered for years.
The forum noted that the restoration of electricity would improve learning conditions for students, revive small-scale businesses, support artisans, reactivate cold-room facilities and stimulate economic activities across the affected communities.
According to the forum, the intervention represents more than the restoration of electricity, describing it as the restoration of dignity, economic opportunities and hope for thousands of residents who have lived in darkness for over a decade.
Residents across the benefiting communities have also welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the project will mark the beginning of a new era of growth and development in Ogun Waterside and other parts of Ogun East Senatorial District.
Leave a comment