Some areas in Osun State have been struggling with a 21-year-long absence of electricity. The blackout which affected residents of Temitope and Ifowosowopo communities in Apara, Ward 7 of Atakunmosa West Local Government Area began in 2003 and has affected economic development, displaced families, and fueled Insecurity in the community. The areas, which include over six neighbourhoods, have seen various administrations fail to resolve their Electricity issues. The situation began when their transformer broke down two decades ago and was stolen, along with vital cables and wires. Despite collective efforts to replace some components, the absence of a transformer remains a critical challenge.
Meanwhile, local leaders and residents have repeatedly appealed for government intervention, yet their calls for help remain unanswered. The absence of electricity has forced Artisans and small businesses, such as welders and barbers, to relocate to areas with stable power supply. This has affected local businesses and deprived residents of essential services. Many landlords have also abandoned their properties, leaving the once-thriving community in a state of stagnation. Residents now travel long distances to towns like Osunjela and Ilesa for basic goods and services, further straining their limited resources.
Lack of unstable electricity could lead to high insecurity.
Furthermore, the lack of power has also exacerbated insecurity in the area. The prolonged darkness has become a haven for criminal activities, leaving residents vulnerable to theft and attacks. Nighttime safety is a major concern, as the absence of lighting emboldens criminals and creates an atmosphere of fear. Community leaders have expressed frustration over the situation. Despite many letters to authorities and local contributions to purchase cables, their efforts have not been enough to restore power. The lack of responsiveness from government officials has left residents feeling abandoned and marginalised.
Likewise, the impact of the blackout goes beyond economic and Security concerns. Social life in the affected communities has diminished, with limited communal bonding and interaction opportunities. Children struggle to study in the evenings, hindering their academic progress and prospects. Without electricity, residents cannot engage in recreational or social activities that foster unity and community spirit. This isolation further deepens the challenges faced by the population. The absence of reliable power has also had significant health and Environmental Sustainability implications. Local health facilities, if available, could operate at minimal capacity without electricity.
Environmental concerns and health risks remain critical challenges.
Moreover, residents will have to use alternatives like kerosene lamps or firewood for lighting and cooking, which poses health hazards and contributes to environmental degradation. Reliance on these unsustainable energy sources exacerbates these communities’ vulnerability to Climate Change impacts. Years of neglect have taken a psychological toll on the households of Temitope and Ifowosowopo. The authorities’ lack of attention has left them feeling forgotten and hopeless. This sense of abandonment has eroded trust in governance and diminished residents’ motivation to advocate for change collectively.
Community leaders like Adetunji Adebayo and Rafiu Sulaimon have remained vocal about their struggles, urging the government and well-meaning individuals to assist in restoring their electricity. Their appeals highlight the communities’ resilience and underscore the situation’s urgency. The plight of these communities illustrates the critical role of electricity in driving development and improving quality of life. Addressing their challenges requires immediate government intervention to provide a new transformer and repair damaged infrastructure. Public-private partnerships could also be explored to ensure sustainable and efficient solutions.
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Overall, electricity is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity that impacts every aspect of life, from security to education, health, and economic prosperity. Bridging the energy gap in neglected communities is essential for equitable growth and national development. This report draws attention to the urgent need to address the prolonged Power Outage in Atakunmosa West and similar underserved areas. The future of these communities depends on a swift and collaborative response from the government, private sector, and civil society.