Date: 2014-04-21

Residents of Ilorin and its environs last  Thursday called for an end to the poor electricity supply to the area as it had affected their social and economic activities.

The residents, who spoke with newsmen  expressed concern that the recent constant power outage experienced in the areas was crippling their businesses.

Mr Mobolade Aransiola, a resident of Fate Area of Ilorin, told our correspondent that because of the situation he had been spending N500 daily to fuel his generator at home to do his work.

He described the inability to do his normal work “a night mare’’.

A welder, who operates at Agbo-Oba area of Ilorin, Mr Olaniyi Agboola, also described the situation as highly frustrating.

“My job depends basically on electricity, and since we have been experiencing poor power supply my business has suffered seriously for lack of patronage.

“I have taken to Okada business, for now, to meet the needs of my family,’’ he said.

Mr Jimoh Joseph, the Director of Jay Jay Winners Yoghurt, an Ilorin-based company, lamented that the cost of production had increased lately due to the poor power supply in the area.

“My company is presently running at a loss as the cost of production of my product is getting higher. “I spend more money on diesel to power my generator which also requires regular servicing,’’ he said.

Alhaji Femi Ayedun,  the Executive Director of KAS Frozen Store in Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, said that the irregular power supply in the town had taken a toll on his business as he now had to use diesel to power his generator.

“My business requires steady and regular supply of electricity; unfortunately the situation is horrible here. We have, however, resorted to generating power through other means both in my office and home.

“I buy about 30 litres of fuel every day to ensure that my family is in good condition,” he said.

Mr Oladepo Amola, the Public Relations Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Challenge Business Unit, confirmed the poor electricity supply.