Residents of Epe continue to face severe challenges due to the ongoing electricity outage, which has disrupted daily life, business activities, and festive preparations as Christmas and New Year approach.
The lack of electricity has forced residents to rely heavily on generators, driving up the cost of running businesses and daily activities.
Phone charging vendors have taken advantage of the situation, charging high fees as people have no alternative to power their devices.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Ogun NUJ Secretary Remanded Over Alleged Kidnapping Of Policeman
- Lagos State DMO Partners with NGX and X-Academy for Capital Market Training
- Lagos State Disburses ₦103.7 Million Housing Loans to 225 Local Government Staff
“People are being exploited daily. Charging a phone has become a business of survival because we have no choice,” a resident lamented.
Traders, especially those dealing with frozen foods, are bearing the brunt of the blackout.
The soaring cost of fuel makes running generators unsustainable, forcing many to increase prices or risk loss. Prices of essential frozen foods have spiked sharply.
A kilo of chicken, for instance, has risen from ₦6,000 to ₦7,500, while other frozen foods such as fish and frozen poultry have also increased significantly.
“The cost of fuel is not encouraging. Running generators every day is draining us, and customers are struggling to cope with rising prices,” a trader explained.
Residents note that while the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved some stabilization in national food prices, local challenges caused by the power outage have pushed frozen food costs in Epe higher, contradicting the intended relief for households.
Local leadership has previously intervened to address the crisis. The Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Hon. Wale Raji Anomo, along with other stakeholders, engaged electricity authorities and facilitated discussions aimed at restoring power.
While these efforts are acknowledged, residents insist that faster implementation is critical.
In a renewed appeal to Hon. Ismail Monsuru Akinloye, Hon. Surah Olayemi, and Hon. Wale Anomo, the Epe People’s Opinion Poll Platform emphasized the urgent need for action.
“The lack of electricity is affecting businesses, education, healthcare, security, and even simple communication.
We urge immediate action so that Epe can recover, restore economic stability, and enjoy the festive season in dignity,” the platform stated.
With Christmas and New Year fast approaching, residents remain hopeful that decisive measures will bring relief and restore normalcy across Epe.
FURTHER READING
- Epe Police Division Hosts Maiden Christmas Carol and Praise Night
- Special Jumat Prayer Held to Mark Coronation Anniversary of Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom
- By Elections: Supreme Court Upholds SDP Victory, Fines INEC ₦2 Million
Click here to watch video of the week
