Twenty-one communities in Ogun West Senatorial District are poised to be reconnected to the national power grid after over a decade of total blackout, following the presentation of ₦54.8 million worth of electrical materials by Dangote Cement Plc.
The donation, made on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, marks a critical milestone in addressing long-standing infrastructural neglect that has left thousands of households, small businesses, schools, and health centres in darkness for more than 10 years.
The intervention, facilitated by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ogun West chapter, and backed by key legislative and traditional stakeholders, is set to bring renewed economic and social life to the affected communities, which include Imasayi, Igbogila, Ibese, Joga-Orile, and 17 others.
The communities, scattered across Yewa North and adjoining local government areas, have suffered prolonged blackout due to decaying power infrastructure and lack of governmental attention.
Residents say the absence of electricity has crippled local commerce, driven up rural-urban migration, and deepened poverty in a region already battling underdevelopment.
The materials presented by Dangote Cement include aluminum conductor steel-reinforced (ACSR) cables, reinforced concrete poles, insulators, stay sets, and other vital components needed to rebuild transmission lines and restore power supply.
“This is a historic step forward,” said Comrade Kehinde Damilola Olorunjubelo, Vice Chairman of NYCN Ogun West, at the donation ceremony. “For over 12 years, these communities have been in darkness. Today, we are witnessing the result of tireless advocacy and a collective will to end that suffering.”
Olorunjubelo commended Dangote Cement Plc for what he described as a rare show of corporate responsibility and community sensitivity. He said the reconnection project, once completed, would stimulate economic revival, reduce insecurity, and improve living standards.
He further lauded the Ogun State House of Assembly, especially Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju Awoso (Yewa North I) and the Speaker, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, for what he called “swift and people-driven legislative action.” He also recognized the traditional rulers and community stakeholders whose voices amplified the urgency of the matter.
“This initiative is a clear demonstration of what can happen when government, youth, traditional institutions and the private sector work together. Electricity is a basic right. Reconnecting our people means reconnecting them to opportunity, dignity, and development,” he said.
Traditional rulers at the event included Oba Daniel Salako, Aboro of Iboro-Yewa; Oba Lukmon Kuoye, Olu of Imasayi-Yewa; Oba Oluwaseyi Mulero, Aboro of Ibese-Yewa; Oba Gabriel Ogunji, Onijoun of Ijoun-Yewa; Oba Gabriel Ogunyomi, Onimoto of Imoto-Yewa; Oba Olukunle Olalowo, Alademeso of Igan-Alade; and Oba Sanya Fabuyi, Olowode of Owode-Ketu.
Also in attendance were representatives of Dangote Cement Plc, NYCN leaders, community representatives, and members of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
The reconnection project is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with a technical team from Dangote Cement set to work with local engineers and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to ensure seamless restoration.
Residents have expressed cautious optimism, calling for transparency and sustained oversight to ensure the project reaches completion.
“After 12 years in the dark, we are hopeful but we also want to see this to the end,” said Akinlade Adewale, a community leader from Joga-Orile. “Power will change everything – from education to business to healthcare. We’re grateful, but we must stay vigilant.”
According to NYCN, this may be the first phase of a larger electrification plan for underserved parts of Ogun West, which remains one of the most energy-deprived regions in South West Nigeria.
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