As the Christmas season unfolds, large parts of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have been plunged into total darkness due to the failure of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to supply electricity, leaving residents frustrated and businesses on the brink of collapse.
Areas such as Fanibi, Oke Ogba, Lafe, Champion, Ondo Road, and several surrounding communities, have reportedly been without power for over a week, sparking outrage among citizens who described this year’s Christmas as the “darkest in memory.”
“This is the worst Christmas we’ve ever had. No light, no business. We can’t even refrigerate drinks or preserve food,” lamented Mrs. Bosede, a frozen food seller in the Oke Ogba area.
While many residents remain in blackout, those lucky enough to be on the premium “Band A” electricity connection are also expressing dissatisfaction.
Although they reportedly enjoy constant electricity supply, they now pay a staggering N5,000 for just 22 units of electricity, a quantity that barely lasts 24 hours when powering basic appliances.
“It’s like we’re being punished for having light,” said Mr. Dayo, a resident on Band A. “You can’t even run your fan, fridge, or TV without burning through those units in hours.”
Small business owners across Akure are particularly hit hard. Barbershops, cyber cafés, welders, and cold room operators have either shut down temporarily or are running at heavy losses due to reliance on costly fuel-powered generators.
Residents are now calling on the state government and power authorities to urgently intervene, restore supply to affected areas, and review the high tariff rates on Band A connections.
“Power is a basic need, especially at a festive time like this. We can’t continue like this,” one resident said angrily.
As the blackout persists, the hope of a merry Christmas continues to fade for many in Akure.
