Efforts to restore electricity to Ondo East Local Government Area, which has been without power since 2011, gained momentum on Monday as the Itesiwaju Ondo Development Group held a strategic meeting with officials of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
The high-level engagement, which took place on August 4, 2025, brought together traditional rulers, youth representatives, community leaders, and BEDC’s Regional Head, Engineer Dele Johnson. The meeting was aimed at fast-tracking efforts toward reconnecting the area to the national grid after more than a decade in darkness.
Community advocate Orisamuyiwa Dickson led the delegation and conveyed a strong, unified demand from residents for a realistic and actionable timeline for power restoration. He appealed to BEDC for immediate steps to begin technical assessments and mobilization.
Traditional leaders at the meeting spoke passionately about the toll the prolonged outage has taken on development.
“Electricity is not a luxury,” said the Oloja of Oboto, Chief Adenuoye Awotunji. “It is a necessity for progress in our communities.”
The Baale of Laagba, Chief Adeniyi Aduragbemi, added: “My people are ready to support all efforts toward restoring power.”
Several voices from Itesiwaju’s leadership and youth base reinforced the urgency of the matter. Betiku Kehinde noted that the group has been instrumental in mobilizing local support, while Toyosi Olubodun emphasized the economic transformation steady power supply would bring, particularly for women and farmers.
Jonah Temitope, speaking on behalf of local youths, pledged their readiness to assist BEDC in clearing paths for power lines and providing technical support. Media advocate Akintayo Olumide also offered to use media platforms to raise awareness and galvanize public support.
In his response, Engineer Johnson acknowledged the community’s concerns and outlined the company’s next steps.
He said BEDC would begin by conducting a technical evaluation of critical infrastructure, including transformers, cables, and electric poles along the Igba-Wasimi axis. Johnson also stressed the importance of local cooperation to ensure unhindered access to installations and proper clearing of right-of-way routes.
He assured that after the assessment, findings would be forwarded to BEDC’s headquarters for further review and approval.
Among the major resolutions of the meeting were BEDC’s commitment to begin immediate technical reviews, the mobilization of community support for access and clearing, and plans to hold town hall meetings to keep residents informed.
The group also disclosed plans to reach out to political representatives to help expedite the process at governmental levels.
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