As reported by Voice of Nigeria, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has urged the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to ensure regular power supply to Kwara and other states within its operational areas.

The Emir made this appeal during a courtesy visit to his palace by the company’s management team, led by Dr. Ademola Adewumi, the Chief Commercial Officer, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IBEDC. The Regional Head of Kwara Region, Engr. Toyin Akinyosoye, along with other management officers and selected staff, also accompanied the team.

In his remarks, the Emir acknowledged the company’s efforts but called for more consistent and stable power supply. He also requested that the company consider giving priority to applicants from Kwara State during recruitment processes.

The Emir, who also serves as the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Kwara, assured the company of his full support to facilitate their operations within the state and beyond.

Earlier, Dr. Ademola Adewumi, representing the MD/CEO, stated that the visit was intended to seek the Emir’s support and receive blessings from the esteemed throne of the Ilorin Emirate.

Dr. Adewumi, while acknowledging the previous support the company has received from the palace, reiterated the fact that one of the core values of the company is stakeholders’ engagement thereby working closely with communities or areas of their operational base in order to better the needs of the people in such environment.

While seeking for continuous support from the royal father, the leader of the team acknowledged the efforts of the Emir in ensuring the sustenance of the rich culture of Ilorin Emirate, particularly through the yearly organised Ilorin Emirate Durbar festival.

Also speaking, the Danmasani of Ilorin, Engr Sulyman Yahaya Oba Alapansanpa, a renowned electrical engineer, Power veteran and immediate past Chairman, Governing Board of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency brought his experience to bare, advising on the need to further cement the cordial relationship of the company and that of Kwarans, particularly the Ilorin Emirate.

Engr. Alapansanpa also suggested that IBEDC should set up a Customer Consultative Forum (CCF), which will consist of representatives from IBEDC, Industrial Customers, Commercial Customers, Residential Customers, representative of traditional council in the emirate, security outfits, among others, which will be chaired by the Regional Heads.

He stated further that, this will go a long way in improving the relationship between the community and the company, particularly in the areas of cash collection, reduction of technical and commercial losses and easy way of disseminating prevailing company policies.

The highly respected emirate chief, applauded the company on their strides in improving power supply in the state, particularly the emirate but urged them to do more.