IBEDC Under Fire For Failing To Restore Electricity To 21 Communities Despite ₦100m Materials Donation From Dangote Cement

…Residents, Stakeholders Express Anger at IBEDC’s Failure As Youths Demand Urgent Government Intervention

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

IBESE-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Residents of 21 host communities of Dangote Cement, Ibese-Yewa, Ogun State, are expressing deep frustration over the failure of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to restore power as promised.

The communities, who have endured nearly three years of blackout, were assured of electricity restoration within four to six weeks, but remain in darkness nearly three weeks past the July 14, 2025 deadline.

On May 14, 2025, Dangote Cement officially handed over electrical materials valued at over ₦100 million to IBEDC during a well-attended ceremony.

The event, witnessed by traditional rulers, stakeholders, journalists, and representatives of Yewa Defender, was intended to fast-track reconnection and bring relief to the long-suffering communities.

Alhaji Abdul Wasiu Akinyemi, Vice Chairman of Yewa Defender, expressed disappointment at IBEDC’s failure to honour its pledge.

“I can confirm that on May 14, 2025, at Dangote Cement, Ibese-Yewa plant, IBEDC promised to energise the area, maximum of six weeks. My earlier warning about the need for firmness when dealing with distribution companies now seems justified”, he lamented.

Some residents suspect IBEDC’s delay may be deliberate, alleging that the company was unhappy it was not permitted to supply the materials itself.

Others accused the utility firm of inefficiency and failing to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent call for electricity providers to take their responsibilities more seriously.

A community leader in Imasayi-Yewa told StarTrend Int’l magazine that many artisans and small business owners have been forced to migrate to larger towns with more reliable electricity.

The extended blackout has also left students struggling with their studies, worsening educational challenges in the area.

Youth groups in the affected towns have warned that their patience is running out, urging the government to intervene decisively before the situation escalates further.