Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed worries over epileptic power supply in Edo State saying it is “pushing citizens, especially the downtrodden to the extreme.”
The Royal father bared his mind when the new Managing Director of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, PLC (BEDC), Henry Ajagbawa, paid him a courtesy visit at his Palace.
The Monarch, therefore, charged the new Management of BEDC to improve on their services and provide timely solutions to the challenges encountered by electricity consumers in the state.
Oba Ewuare II, noted that the economic uncertainty caused by the free fall of the Naira to the Dollar and high cost of Diesel was taking a toll on businesses and manufacturing sector in the state.
“Let the Palace know where and what areas it can assist to enable you succeed in the task before you.
“We all know that there is always a problem with electricity in the country”.
“We spend a lot of money in the palace because of lack of electricity. We can’t explain what is happening in the whole Country.
“Thank you for recognising the place of Traditional Rulers in the scheme of activities. We assure you that you and your entire Board and Management will be in our prayers. We wish the MD/CEO success in the onerous task that has been placed on his shoulders.
“We cannot say that we envy you because there is quite a lot of problems. We encourage you and your team to push for a small percentage of improvement that will benefit the people. I am sure that you will make us happy”, Oba Ewuare said.
The new Managing Director of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, PLC (BEDC), Henry Ajagbawa, had earlier assured the Oba and the people of Edo State that they would experience improved power supply from the company under the new management.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to pay respect to the monarch, solicit for prayers and seek counsel for guidance in his quest to enhance the fortunes of the company.
“Due to enormous challenges facing the power sector, the Federal Government, took some steps to reposition some of the distribution companies including BEDC,” he said.
Ajagbawa appealed for assistance from the palace, community leaders and residents to help protect transformers and other equipment in their domains from vandals.
It would be recalled that the new Management of BEDC took over the Company from the former Managing Director, Funke Osibodu, over poor performance in the electricity distribution operations.
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