Orimerunmu: Ogun community plagued by 20 years of darkness

In the Ogun community of Orimerunmu, residents have endured 20 years of darkness due to inadequate infrastructure. Basiru Gbada, a 63-year-old welder, shared his struggles with the community's lack of reliable electricity, stating that his one-room workshop and three-bedroom bungalow were illuminated only by a solar-powered lamp and fan.

Gbada explained that the community had once had steady electricity, but it has since declined, leaving residents suffering from frequent power outages. Catherine, a trader in the area, echoed Gbada's sentiments, describing the community's situation as a tale of frustration and dashed hope. She noted that electricity supply became erratic around three years ago, causing her business to suffer.

Despite installing a solar power system and generators, residents found that they could not rely on these alternatives for their daily needs. The community's landlords had complained to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company about the issue, but no solution had been found. Gbada lamented that the community's residents had sacrificed resources to create a secure place, yet they continued to live in darkness, leaving them with little hope for improvement.