EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: After 10 Months in Darkness, Koboro and Abule Owu Communities Set for Electricity Restoration

Night view of one of the affected communities showing the prolonged darkness experienced by residents during the 10-month power outage

By Victor Olubiye

Residents of Koboro Town and Abule Owu Town, neighbouring communities situated along Onigbedu Road, Itori in Ewekoro Local Government Area, are preparing for the restoration of electricity after spending about 10 months without power, following the successful acquisition of a new transformer through community efforts and private support.

The General Coordinator for the Electricity/Transformer Project, Prince Adedayo Shodipo, disclosed this while speaking with Victor Olubiye, Editor-in-Chief of The Creativity Site, who anchored the exclusive interview.

Prince Shodipo explained that the previous transformer became faulty due to overpopulation and excessive load, as more than three towns depended on it before it eventually broke down, leaving residents in prolonged darkness.

According to him, the power outage severely affected economic and social activities within the communities. He stated that businesses were crippled, while many struggled to remain operational. He cited his personal experience as a hotel manager, revealing that the hotel spent over one million naira monthly on fuel before switching to solar power at significant cost.

He added that residents were forced to charge their phones and electrical gadgets in locations with generators or solar power, which sometimes resulted in theft of personal belongings. Students relied on lamps and mobile phones for nighttime studies, while some residents relocated and potential newcomers avoided settling in the communities due to the lack of electricity.

Ajayi Basiru (Left), Committee Chairman, and Prince Adedayo Shodipo (Right), General Coordinator for the Electricity/Transformer Project, during an exclusive interview on the electricity restoration project in Koboro and Abule Owu communities, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State

Prince Shodipo stated that funding for the transformer was secured through contributions from several stakeholders. He said Sigma Industrial Park, widely referred to by residents as a Chinese company, provided major financial support for the project by giving the community leaders 10.6 million. He further disclosed that the King of Abule Owu, Wasiu Aremu Koleoso, contributed ₦2.4 million towards the purchase of the transformer and also covered additional logistics and labour costs exceeding ₦500,000. Community members raised ₦1 million through a ₦30,000 levy per resident, which makes the 500KVA to be purchased at the rate of 14 million Naira, while a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, popularly known as Honourable Water, supported the project with ₦200,000.

He noted that the process of sourcing funds was challenging, as the committee faced criticism, rumours of financial misconduct and low participation from some residents. Despite these setbacks, community leaders and stakeholders remained committed to restoring electricity to the affected towns.

On government involvement, the coordinator said the communities did not receive direct financial assistance from government authorities. Although a letter was sent to a public official known as Yayi requesting support, no response was received. He, however, explained that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) is currently assisting with technical processes and is expected to provide final approval and connection required for the commissioning of the transformer.

He explained that the installation process is being handled by community leaders, traditional rulers and an eight-man committee established to oversee the project. Measures have also been put in place to prevent future breakdown by monitoring usage and educating residents on proper electricity management, noting that the newly acquired 500KVA transformer is expected to adequately serve the communities and reduce the risk of overload.

Prince Shodipo expressed optimism that electricity restoration would revive businesses, improve living conditions and bring relief to residents who have endured months of hardship. He called on government authorities to pay greater attention to grassroots communities and urged other communities facing similar challenges to remain united and focused despite rumours or controversies.

Community leaders also appreciated the support of Sigma Industrial Park, traditional rulers, community development associations, committee members and residents who contributed financially and morally towards the project.

Committee Chairman Ajayi Basiru noted that the project has strengthened unity among Koboro and Abule Owu communities, explaining that cooperation among stakeholders helped resolve previous differences and made the restoration effort possible.

With the transformer already acquired and installed, residents now await final approval and connection from electricity authorities for full restoration of power supply, expressing hope that the development will mark a new phase of growth and stability for the communities.

Victor Olubiye (Left), Editor-in-Chief of The Creativity Site, with community leaders after the exclusive interview on the electricity restoration project