The people of Osogbo, the capital city of Osogbo, are once again raising serious concerns over the persistent issue of epileptic power supply in the city and its surrounding communities. Electricity, which is a fundamental necessity in modern society, has become an unreliable luxury for many residents. The current situation calls for urgent attention, decisive action, and accountability from the responsible authorities.
At the center of these concerns is the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), the distribution company responsible for electricity supply in Osogbo and across much of southwestern Nigeria. For months, residents have endured prolonged blackouts, unstable supply, and what can only be described as unacceptable service delivery. Entire neighborhoods in Osogbo sometimes go without electricity for a whole day, with some areas reportedly not enjoying even one hour of power supply let alone two or three hours.
This troubling pattern has left citizens frustrated and disillusioned. Many households continue to receive electricity bills despite barely having access to power. The question on the lips of many residents remains: how can people be required to pay for a service they scarcely receive? Transparency, fairness, and accountability must be the foundation of any service-oriented organization, especially one providing such an essential utility.
The economic consequences of this irregular power supply are equally alarming. Osogbo is home to numerous small-scale businesses and artisans whose livelihoods depend heavily on electricity. Welders, tailors, barbers, hairdressers, printers, and other skilled workers rely on steady power to sustain their daily operations. Without electricity, productivity declines, income drops, and families struggle to meet basic needs.
Particularly hard hit are traders dealing in frozen foods and other perishable goods. With little or no electricity to power their freezers, many suffer devastating losses as their products spoil. For small business owners operating on limited capital, such losses can be crippling. What should be a supportive environment for entrepreneurship is instead becoming a hostile one due to unreliable electricity supply.
Beyond the economic impact, the situation also affects education, healthcare, and general quality of life. Students preparing for examinations are forced to study in darkness or rely on costly alternatives such as fuel-powered generators.
Healthcare facilities that depend on electricity for storing medications and operating equipment face increased operational risks. Families are burdened with additional expenses for fuel and alternative lighting solutions, further stretching already tight budgets.
The silence surrounding this matter is deeply concerning. Residents expect not only a response from IBEDC management but also intervention from government authorities at both state and federal levels.
Regulatory bodies and senior officials must investigate the root causes of this persistent problem and ensure that concrete, sustainable solutions are implemented. If there are technical, logistical, or generation challenges, these should be clearly communicated to the public alongside a realistic plan of action.
Electricity is not a privilege it is a critical driver of development. Osogbo, as a state capital, deserves stable and reliable power supply that can support its growing population and economic aspirations. The people are not asking for miracles; they are asking for fairness, consistency, and improvement.
Therefore, this is a passionate appeal to the leadership and staff of IBEDC in Osun State, particularly those overseeing operations in Osogbo: it is time to wake up to your responsibilities. The current state of power supply is unsustainable.
The people deserve better. Immediate steps must be taken to address the epileptic power situation and provide a lasting solution that restores confidence and supports economic growth.
The voices of Osogbo residents must not go unheard. It is time for action.
Written by Yusuf Idowu, from Osogbo.