Residents of Imokun, Eredo Local Council Development Area, Epe, Lagos State, have raised alarm over a year-long blackout that has left more than 800 households stranded.
Since September 2023, over 800 households have experienced total blackouts due to the breakdown of the community’s only power source, a 500 kVA transformer.
Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, many residents and traders are forced to endure unbearable living conditions or relocate.
Stakeholder Comrade Olufowobi Eniafe spoke on behalf of the community, explaining that social and economic activities in the student-dominated area have been severely disrupted by the failed transformer.
“This month marks the twelfth month without power. Over 800 homes are served by the transformer. Repairs would cost N8 million, according to a private company, which is much more than the average person in this area can afford, he said.
In addition to increasing dissatisfaction, the protracted blackout has raised living expenses, as many households have had to spend a lot of money on alternative power.
The current state of the economy is causing hardship for people. Purchasing gas or gasoline at the current price is a daily struggle.
Because most shop owners are unable to fuel generators, businesses are closing. We spend about N8,000 a night on fuel just to have light in my house alone,” Eniafe bemoaned.
Residents claim that little to no action has been taken in response to their repeated requests for help from elected officials and government representatives. The only noteworthy assistance was provided in June 2024 when Hon. Monsuru Akinloye, the chairman of the Eredo LCDA, gave a new transformer to a different area of the community.
None of our lawmakers have responded to our messages, calls, or letters, with the exception of the chairman’s intervention. Eniafe emphasized, “People here feel abandoned, like we don’t matter.”
The community is directly pleading with the Lagos State government and well-meaning Nigerians for immediate action as the blackout enters its second year.
“Thousands of people will exhale in relief if light is restored today. It will revitalize this community,” Eniafe continued.
About The Author
