Edo Youths Demand Action Over Eight-Month Power Outage

On Thursday, youths from Ososo, Ojah, Ijiranmi, and other communities in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State protested against an eight-month blackout that has crippled economic activities and stalled development. The protest took place at the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Power in Benin.

Bernard Gomina, speaking for the protesters, emphasized that the demonstration aimed to highlight the hardships faced by residents due to the prolonged power outage. Despite interventions from community leaders and Hon. Donald Okogbe, the member representing Akoko-Edo II Constituency, the situation remains unresolved.

Gomina stated, “This protest is meant to bring our plight to the public as we have not enjoyed electricity for eight months.” Another protester, Abayomi, claimed that communities had paid substantial amounts to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for repairs, yet the issues persisted. He also criticized the high estimated bills charged during the intermittent supply prior to the outage and called for an alternative power distribution company.