The Comfort Community Development Association (CDA) in Likosi Dejuwogbo Phase 1, located under the Sagamu Local Council of Ogun State, has raised a distress call to the state government in light of an ongoing power outage that has persisted for the past four years.
Situated opposite the prominent Mosimi NNPC area, the community claims to have exhausted various channels of correspondence, including written appeals, radio broadcasts, and peaceful protests, all in an attempt to capture the attention of the relevant authorities. Unfortunately, their efforts have been in vain, leaving the community in a state of perpetual darkness.
Salawu Waheed Abiodun, the chairman of the CDA, expressed his concerns over the severe consequences of the prolonged power outage. He revealed that the absence of electricity has resulted in loss of lives and the collapse of businesses within the area. He further emphasized that due to the power situation, the community’s only Primary Health Centre (PHC) has become non-operational, effectively rendering the community desolate and devoid of essential services.
Speaking with The Guardian via telephone, Salawu earnestly appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and rescue the area from its current plight.
“For the past four years, this community has been living in darkness without access to power. While we have made significant efforts, we have been informed that the only long-term solution is the installation of a new high-capacity transformer,” he explained. “Despite sending numerous letters to our Federal House of Representatives member, Oriyomi Onanuga, we have not received any response to date.”
Waheed expressed his distress over the predicament faced by pregnant women in the community who are now compelled to seek medical assistance at alternative PHCs located outside the community. Additionally, he highlighted the exodus of businesses that have either relocated or ceased operations entirely due to the lack of electricity.
“In light of the soaring cost of fuel, it is simply unaffordable for families and businesses to rely on generators as their sole source of power. Those who can afford to have already relocated, but for the majority of us, this is not a viable option. We implore the state governor, House of Representatives member, and local council chairperson to urgently provide us with a new transformer before our community falls into complete despair,” he pleaded.
Echoing similar sentiments, Musbau Adeyemi, a business owner in the area, bemoaned the detrimental impact of the prolonged power outage on his livelihood and that of his peers.
“Many of my acquaintances have already migrated to areas with consistent power supply. Unfortunately, as our family home, leaving is not a simple decision. As a barber, I rely heavily on electricity for my business, and utilizing a generator is an unsustainable expense. I am currently operating at a loss, but I am left with no other choice. I implore the governor to come to our rescue and salvage our community,” he lamented.
This distressing situation in Likosi Dejuwogbo Phase 1 Community serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the power infrastructure challenges faced by communities across Ogun State. Immediate intervention from the government is crucial to alleviate the suffering, revive businesses, and restore hope to the affected residents.
