In a proactive move, NANS Oyo Axis engages IBEDC to address irregular power supply affecting educational institutions. Crucial meeting highlights issues, proposes solutions, and emphasizes the need for improved communication. Students’ welfare and promised government support also on the agenda.
Thursday, 25th of January 2024, the leadership of Oyo State Axis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) wrote an open letter to the Managing Director of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company requesting for a comprehensive understanding statement detailing the reason behind the epileptic power supply or immediate actions to improve their service.
Yesterday, Tuesday 29th of January, 2024, a meeting initiated by the management of IBEDC with the NANS JCC Oyo Axis leadership was held, according to the news gathered from the Secretary-General, NANS Oyo State, Comr. Tiamiyu Olayinka Ibraheem and release to our correspondence read
In the bustling city of Ibadan, a crucial meeting unfolded between the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), specifically the Oyo State Chapter, under the leadership of Ridwan Ademola Adegoke. This gathering aimed to address the pressing concerns related to the irregular power supply that had been adversely affecting the educational institutions within the state.
Mr. Ademola Adewumi, representing IBEDC, The Chief Technical Officer initiated the session by expressing gratitude for the proactive stance taken by NANS Oyo State. He set the stage for the discussions that followed, outlining the primary purpose of the meeting.
A significant revelation came from Mr. John of the Department of State Services (DSS), who detailed the intricate interface between the union body and the directors of operations. He eloquently described the ripple effect of poor power supply, highlighting the impact on 17 educational institutions and pinpointing areas experiencing blackouts and erratic power supply. To address these issues, the DSS office proposed a collaborative approach, deferring to the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) for further insights.
Comrade Ridwan Adegoke, the NANS Chairman, shed light on the catalyst for this movement, the agitation stemming from communities in Oyo due to persistent blackouts. He underscored the grievances of student representatives from Oke Ogun, emphasizing the need to question why consumers were paying for services not being enjoyed.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of cultivating good relations with the public during challenges, urging IBEDC to provide timely updates. Eng Francis from IBDEC shared his personal experience as a former student, providing valuable insights into the transition of power supply from the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to IBEDC.
Eng Francis further committed to gathering comprehensive feedback from schools, engaging community leaders, and providing updates on the status of transmission stations. Four key transmission stations were identified: Oyo on Iseyin road, Ibadan North, Ayede by 10/150, and Ogbomoso by 2/60, with the latter nearing completion at 95%.
Mrs. Busolami, responsible for Media Relations, elucidated the broader challenge of power supply in the region. She compared Nigeria’s 4000-megawatt capacity for 200 million people with other African countries boasting 20000-megawatt capacity with smaller populations. Mrs. Busolami stressed the pivotal role of accurate information in managing expectations and promised concerted efforts to bridge communication gaps.
Adewumi Ademola, the facilitator, sought suggestions for enhancing customer engagement. He explained the intricacies of the postpaid billing system and emphasized the importance of establishing effective communication channels. The proposal included a WhatsApp group for Community Development Associations (CDAs) and a dedicated channel for communication between the student community, student leaders (17 SUG Presidents in the state and Rep of NANS), and IBDEC.
Comrade Tiamiyu Olayinka, the NANS General Secretary, echoed the need for diverse communication means and stressed the adverse effects of erratic power supply on academic activities. He underscored the discontentment of paying for services not rendered.
The meeting laid a foundation for collaboration and improvement. Action items were identified, including gathering feedback, improving information dissemination, exploring customer engagement strategies, and establishing communication channels. This meeting reflects the commitment of both parties to address the challenges and enhance the overall power supply experience for the people of Oyo.
In conclusion, the leadership of NANS Oyo State met with the new Director of DSS Oyo State Command as to welcome him to the state and as well imploring him to charge the IBEDC to improve their service and engage the Oyo State Governor too, on behalf of the students community, that the governor should fulfill his long overdue promised mobilization (Busses), payment of Bursary for students beyond Law as a discipline and as well to create opportunity for students leaders engagement.
Signed
Comr. Tiamiyu Olayinka Ibraheem
Secretary-General
NANS Oyo State
