By Ishola Kemi Ajeniya
ThePersistent electricity crisis in Epe, Lagos State, is a damning testament to the gross inadequacy of leadership and infrastructure.
For years, residents and businesses have suffered unbearable hardships, their pleas for relief met with deafening silence. This egregious failure demands immediate attention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Epe’s significance to Lagos’ economy cannot be overstated. As a thriving commercial hub, its contribution to the state’s GDP is substantial. However, the lack of electricity has crippled businesses, resulting in job losses and economic stagnation. The livelihoods of thousands depend on electricity, and their struggles are a direct consequence of the government’s inaction.
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The absence of electricity has spawned a devastating humanitarian crisis, with residents enduring sweltering temperatures without relief, hospitals struggling to maintain life-saving equipment and students studying by candlelight, hindering academic progress. Businesses collapse, leaving families without income.
What’s even more alarming is that the Deputy Governor, who hails from Epe, seems oblivious to the suffering of his own people. If he truly called Epe home, rather than residing in the luxurious Governor’s Lodge or spatial mansions in GRA or Lekki, where power outages are rare, the issue would have received prompt attention. His inaction is a stark reminder of the disconnect between leaders and their constituents.
Despite these challenges, residents appreciated the initiative of individuals including Honorable Wale Raji installing solar-powered streetlights which have so far mitigated the darkness, illuminating major roads at nights. This commendable effort is on the daily bases waning and proving insufficient to address the systemic failures.
The root causes of this crisis are multifaceted. Vandalism of electrical installations, neglect, misgovernance, and insecurity have all contributed to the problem. Furthermore, political shenanigans from leaders across all strata have exacerbated the situation, prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of the people.
Governor Sanwo-Olu must recognize the urgency of this situation and take decisive action. Fulfilling campaign promises and integrating Epe into Lagos’ developmental strides are crucial. The governor’s intervention should focus on:
Restoring electricity within a defined timeline; upgrading infrastructure to prevent future outages: enhancing security to protect electrical installations; empowering communities through sustainable solutions.
The consequences of inaction will be severe. Epe’s economy will continue to deteriorate, and the people will suffer. It is imperative that Governor Sanwo-Olu seizes this moment to pave the way for a brighter, more electrified future for Epe and Lagos as a whole.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu must intervene decisively, declaring a state of emergency to restore electricity in Epe, upgrading infrastructure to prevent future outages, enhancing security to safeguard installations and empowering communities through sustainable solutions. Epe’s revival is crucial to Lagos’ prosperity, revitalizing commerce, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The people of Epe demand swift action, transparency and accountability. The governor’s response will determine the fate of Epe and Lagos’ economic viability.
Kemi Ajeniya, a journalist, writes from Epe