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Communities Without Electricity Appeal To Ambode

By Gbenga Akinfenwa
31 October 2015   |   9:41 pm
RESIDENTS of Bishop Kodji, Whla-Kodji, Akopkonwa-Kodji, Sagbo-Kodji and Ginvie Kodji, among other communities in Lagos State, have appealed to the state government to ensure they have access to electricity supply.

Embedded-PowerRESIDENTS of Bishop Kodji, Whla-Kodji, Akopkonwa-Kodji, Sagbo-Kodji and Ginvie Kodji, among other communities in Lagos State, have appealed to the state government to ensure they have access to electricity supply.

The villages, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, which were founded by fishermen from Badagry, with population of over 80,000 natives, do not have access to electricity.

The Guardian investigation revealed the plight of the communities, which has led to relocation of their youths and artisans to the urban areas, thus hampering economic activities in the villages.

A resident of Bishop Kodji community, David Eyo lamented that in this 21st century, his community is still living in darkness. “If government gives us light, life would be more meaningful to our people, especially the youths who are moving en masse to the cities. It will also fast-track development, as our people outside would be eager to come home and spend time with their families.”
“There is no electricity and the cost of living is very high. Prices of foodstuff, especially frozen foods are inflated by the retailers who bring them. Our Artisans have abandoned their works and have now become Okada riders.”

This is the plight of several communities and villages in Nigeria that are still not connected with electricity.
According to statistics, over 76 million Nigerians live without access to electricity, a trend that may continue if government fails to utilise its renewable and environment-friendly mix.

The Director of Centre for Advanced Sensors & Environmental System
(CASE), State University of New York, Binghamton, Professor Omowunmi
Sadik, who made the revelation recently in Ede, Osun State, said the country’s electrification rate is less than 50 per cent of the population, noting that government has unfolded plans to increase capacity by 2020.

According to her, achieving the goal will depend largely on the ability of the Federal Government to utilise renewable mix, such as solar, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, and wind.
“Global energy demand is anticipated to increase by 30 per cent by
2030 and share of fossil fuels in energy production will significantly decrease. It is therefore crucial that this nation maintains an interest in other emerging sources of renewable energy, while keeping abreast of international trends in energy technology developments.

Nigeria suffers from extreme electricity shortage. Availability of electricity remains a major factor in the location of industries and it is a strong instrument of social development. Electricity in Nigeria is grossly inadequate in these modern days,” Sadik said.

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