In a renewed push for the restoration of electricity to Ondo East Local Government Area since 2011, the Itesiwaju Ondo Development Group, alongside traditional leaders and grassroots stakeholders, held a crucial meeting on Monday, 4th August 2025, with the Regional Head of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Engineer Dele Johnson.
The meeting, which took place in a spirit of collaboration and urgency, was led by community advocate Orisamuyiwa Dickson. He presented a unified call from the people of Ondo East, urging BEDC to provide practical timelines and support for reconnecting the affected communities to the national electricity grid.
Traditional leaders were prominently represented. The Oloja of Oboto, Chief Adenuoye Awotunji, underscored the pivotal role of electricity in accelerating community development. “Electricity is not a luxury,” he said, “it is a necessity for progress in our communities.” The Baale of Laagba, Chief Adeniyi Aduragbemi, echoed this sentiment, assuring that his people are “ready to support all efforts toward restoring power.”
Voices from the Itesiwaju leadership and youth sector further amplified the community’s collective determination. Betiku Kehinde emphasized the group’s role in mobilizing grassroots participation, while Toyosi Olubodun highlighted how consistent electricity would transform economic opportunities for farmers and women. Jonah Temitope spoke on behalf of the youth, pledging their readiness to assist in clearing powerline routes and supporting technical operations. Akintayo Olumide, a media advocate, committed to using media platforms to build public awareness and promote community ownership of the process.
Responding to the delegation, Engineer Johnson of BEDC acknowledged the depth of community interest and laid out initial steps. He stated that the company would begin with a technical assessment of transformers, cables, and electric poles along the route from Igba to Wasimi. He also stressed the need for community support in accessing electrical installations and clearing pathways for power lines. Johnson assured that once assessments were concluded, BEDC would escalate the findings to its headquarters for further action and approval.
Key outcomes from the meeting include BEDC’s commitment to conduct a technical review of infrastructure damage across affected areas, community involvement in access facilitation and route clearing, and the organisation of town hall meetings by Itesiwaju and local leaders to ensure widespread community sensitization. There are also plans to engage political representatives to fast-track intervention at higher levels.
