NANS, Osogbo residents protest poor power supply, issue ultimatum to IBEDC

Osogbo power supply protest erupts as NANS and residents demand better electricity, giving IBEDC a seven-day ultimatum to restore supply

Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo over worsening electricity supply across the region.

Also read: NANS raises alarm over poor electricity in universities

The students, joined by residents, decried the persistent power outages affecting tertiary institutions and communities, calling for urgent intervention from relevant authorities.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No electricity increment tariff,” “Increase power output,” and “Restore our electricity infrastructure,” the protesters gathered at the November 27 Bridge before marching through major parts of the city.

Speaking during the protest, NANS South-West Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, said the association was deeply concerned about the impact of poor electricity supply on academic activities and daily life.

“I am here with all the sister bodies of our association to register our displeasure in the current electricity crisis that has ravaged our nation and affected academic activities on our campuses,” Adeyemo said.

He noted that while the government’s efforts to stabilise the country were acknowledged, access to basic amenities like electricity must remain a priority.

“This constant failure of electricity… has brought about a series of aggravations within our campuses and student community, and we must let the government know that this is a priority,” he added.

Adeyemo warned that failure by authorities to engage stakeholders and address the situation could trigger a larger protest in the coming days.

“This is just a preamble. If there is no proper engagement… we will be forced to make another mass protest. We will not back down until our voices are heard,” he said.

In a related development, residents of Osogbo also staged a separate protest at the regional office of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), demanding improved power supply.

The protesters converged on Oke Baale and marched through Station Road before assembling at the IBEDC office, where security operatives had been deployed to maintain order.

Amid chants and solidarity songs, the residents issued a seven-day ultimatum to the electricity distribution company to restore affected communities to Band A classification.

They warned that failure to meet the demand could lead to further collective actions, including restricting the operational access of IBEDC personnel in the affected areas.

Also read: NANS warns of rising insecurity threatening Nigerian schools

The Osogbo power supply protest highlights growing frustration among Nigerians over unreliable electricity, a longstanding challenge that continues to affect education, businesses, and quality of life across the country.

Quadri Olaitan