Residents of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State may soon heave a sigh of relief as work has commenced on the rehabilitation of the Eruwa-Idere electricity line, in a move aimed at ending the prolonged power outage in the area.
The Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Olusola Adeleke, had, on October 10, announced the council’s readiness to restore electricity supply to the area. He made the announcement while delivering his welcome address at the grand finale of the 2026 Igboora World Twins Festival. “Efforts are underway to address the longstanding electricity challenges,” he said.
Adeleke’s pledge to end the blackout drew mixed reactions from residents, some of whom recalled similar promises made by politicians in the past which ended in futility, particularly during electioneering periods. They also questioned whether the latest pledge would translate into tangible results.
However, in the early hours of Friday, October 16, contractors were seen along the Eruwa-Igboora expressway replacing dilapidated electricity poles as part of efforts to restore power supply to the local government area.
Speaking with Corefront News on Saturday, the chairman’s spokesperson, Azeez Sodiq, said the rehabilitation project commenced on Thursday, October 15, and was expected to be completed within two weeks.
Reiterating the chairman’s commitment to restoring electricity supply, he said residents of the local government area would begin to enjoy uninterrupted power supply before the end of November 2026.
Adeleke Deploys Two Motorcycles to Protect Electricity Restoration Project
In a move to safeguard materials being used for the project, Adeleke donated two motorcycles to security operatives to facilitate surveillance operations.
According to the chairman, the security measures were put in place to prevent the vandalism or theft of electricity poles, cables, and other components.
He urged residents to “take ownership” of the project by promptly alerting the appropriate authorities to any suspicious activities around the electricity infrastructure.
The commencement of the rehabilitation project marks a step towards addressing the electricity challenges facing the residents, who have endured more than 10 years of blackout. The completion of the project is expected to bring relief to affected communities.
Akorede Vows to End Blackout, Fix Idere-Igangan Electricity Line
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government, Hon. Lateef Adebare Lawal, popularly known as Akorede, has also assured residents of Ayete, Tapa and Igangan that the lack of electricity supply would soon be a thing of the past in the council area.
Akorede gave the assurance while delivering his welcome address at the One-Day Chairman event held on Thursday, October 15, in honour of Olanrele Tumininu, a student of Angel Heights College, Ayete, who emerged victorious in an intellectual competition organised by the council chairman.
Akorede said, “I wish to assure the good people of this local government that this administration is fully concerned about the challenges facing our people, particularly the prolonged power outage and the deplorable condition of electricity poles from Idere to Igangan.
“All weakened, damaged, and dilapidated electricity poles along Idere to Igangan will be given the necessary attention with a view to ensuring that they are properly erected.”