Benin Monarch Tasks Discos To Find Lasting Solution To Power Problem

By Osariemen Idiaghe

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II has charged Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria to strengthen their Research and Development capacity in order to find a solution to the problem associated with the power sector.

The Monarch gave the charge when the new management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) paid a courtesy visit to the palace.

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The Royal Majesty said the country’s Electricity problem can be ameliorated if stakeholders in the industry are solution driven.

The first class traditional ruler explained that the economic uncertainty caused by the free fall of the country’s currency (Naira) to the dollar as well as high cost of diesel is taking a toll on businesses and manufacturing sector in Nigeria thereby pushing citizens especially the downtrodden to the extreme.

He said: “You have association of Discos in Nigeria, get them together and have conferences, retreats and find out what to do to improve the power distribution problems because it is enormous.”

“We appeal to you to do your homework, if you have research and development department, then engage them to do more research to find out what the problem is and proffer solutions”.

“If the people cannot continue to cope with the pressure of no power supply in the country, they cannot even set up businesses or industries that rely on diesel which is very expensive or sometimes scarce to get.”.

“It is the same story over and over again. It seems not to be going away. Please do your best. If you identify anything we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know”.

Addressing the Benin Monarch earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Office of BEDC, Dr Henry Ajagbawa explained that they were at the palace to pay a respect to the Oba and solicit for prayers towards enhancing electricity distribution to the people.

Ajagbawa admitted that due to enormous challenges facing the power sector, the Federal Government took some steps to reposition the sector through robust engagement with government at all levels and other stakeholders in the business of electricity for improve performance.
According to him, “suffice to say that it is not news that we have electricity challenge in Nigeria. We believe that with collaboration, government and communities, we should be able to go further, it is a huge challenge ahead,” he added.