In a bid to enhance service delivery and ensure better power supply to residents of Ibadan, the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Dr. Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin. The visit, led by the acting Managing Director of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha, was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the palace and seeking ways to provide adequate and reliable electricity to the city.
The IBEDC delegation, which included key officials such as Dr. Ademola Adewumi (Chief Commercial Officer, Retail), Olanrewaju Sadiq (Chief Audit and Risk Officer), Angela Olarenwaju (Coordinating Head, Corporate Services), Oluwasogo Olufayo (Regional Head, Ibadan), and Busolami Tunwase (Lead, Media Relations), was warmly received by members of the Olubadan-in-Council. Representing the Olubadan at the meeting was Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadan.
Engr. Agoha highlighted that the IBEDC sees the Olubadan as a key partner in Ibadan, given the role the city plays as the headquarters of the company. We are here to identify with the palace as partners and to seek collaboration on how we can work together to move Ibadan forward, Agoha said. He further emphasized that IBEDC is committed to ensuring that Ibadan residents, who form a significant part of their customer base, receive reliable power supply.
We are also here to listen to you, Your Majesty, on areas where we can collaborate to ensure the progress of Ibadan, he added.
In his response, the Olubadan, represented by Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, expressed his gratitude for the efforts IBEDC has made towards improving power supply in Ibadan. However, he pointed out that there is still room for improvement, especially regarding the power supply to the Olubadan’s palace.
Oba Daisi noted that the palace frequently hosts dignitaries and requires a steady and reliable power supply to support its operations. He explained that the palace currently relies heavily on diesel-powered generators, which should ideally serve as backup power rather than the primary source. The Olubadan also acknowledged that while the palace is located in an area not typically prioritized for power supply, it deserves special consideration due to its significance.
We are very happy with the progress you are making, but the palace needs a lasting solution. The generator should be the backup, not the main source of power, Oba Daisi remarked.
Engr. Agoha assured the Olubadan that IBEDC is committed to addressing the power challenges faced by the palace. He acknowledged the palace’s importance and the need for it to have an uninterrupted power supply, given the dignitaries it frequently hosts.
We will assess the possibility of connecting the palace to the nearest substation with a 33KVA line to ensure better power supply, Agoha promised. He also mentioned that while the palace currently receives about 12 hours of supply daily, the company is aware that this is insufficient given the high demand for power in the palace.
IBEDC will work with its technical team to evaluate the capacity of the closest substation and plan the right route for the necessary connections. While the project will require significant capital investment, Agoha expressed confidence that the necessary funds could be mobilized, especially with support from the Oyo State government.
We are confident that a lasting solution will be found. The palace deserves no less than adequate power supply, and we will work towards achieving that,Agoha concluded.
The visit marked a significant step in fostering cooperation between IBEDC and the Olubadan’s palace, with both parties committed to improving the quality of power supply in Ibadan. With continued collaboration and support from stakeholders, residents of Ibadan can look forward to better service delivery from IBEDC in the near future.
This development highlights the importance of strong partnerships between service providers and community leaders in achieving improved infrastructure and services. As IBEDC works to enhance power supply in Ibadan, the collaboration with the Olubadan’s palace will be crucial in driving progress and ensuring the satisfaction of its customers across the city.
This blog captures the essence of the collaboration between IBEDC and the Olubadan’s palace and the efforts being made to improve power supply in Ibadan.