Residents of Offa, Kwara State, can now heave a sigh of relief as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has commenced the replacement of dangerously undersized conductors that have plagued the community for over six decades.
The move follows sustained advocacy by the Ibolo Consumers Advocacy of Nigeria (ICAN), which in a September 15 press release drew attention to the risks posed by the obsolete 35mm aluminium conductors installed as far back as 1963.
In what stakeholders described as a major milestone, IBEDC Managing Director, Engr. Francis Agoha, approved the immediate commencement of the replacement work.
As of 5:00 p.m. on September 29, engineers had already dismantled the old conductors around the Olofa Palace, with work progressing toward the Popo Transformer DSS near Tafa Joba.
The obsolete conductors — stretching over 22,500 meters and serving more than 150 transformers under the Offa Business Hub — have been linked to frequent electrocution, fire incidents, and unstable electricity supply in the area.
Speaking on the development, ICAN President, Engr. Tajudeen Iwalola, and Secretary, Mr. Shehu Olanrewaju, lauded IBEDC for heeding the community’s call after years of neglect. They particularly commended Engr. Agoha and the Kwara Regional Head, Engr. Oluwatoyin Akinyosoye, for their roles in ensuring that the project took off without delay.
“While this intervention is commendable, we must stress that partial replacement will not give the people of Offa the sustainable solution they deserve. The entire stretch of the undersized conductors must be replaced to safeguard lives and guarantee reliable supply,” the advocacy group said.
ICAN also listed other critical demands to address lingering power challenges in Offa and its environs. These include the replacement of obsolete 7.5 MVA transformers, deployment of higher-capacity equipment, appointment of qualified managers for the Offa Business Hub, a minimum daily supply of 12 hours of electricity, and free distribution of meters to end estimated billing.
The group assured that it will continue to monitor the project until completion, pledging to hold IBEDC accountable to its promise of delivering safe and reliable electricity — a key driver of economic growth and sustainable community development.
PRESS RELEASE
IBEDC COMMENCES REPLACEMENT OF 62-YEAR-OLD UNDERSIZED CONDUCTORS IN OFFA AFTER IBOL0 CONSUMERS’ ADVOCACY
The Ibolo Consumers Advocacy of Nigeria (ICAN) is pleased to announce that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has commenced the long-overdue replacement of the obsolete 35mm aluminium conductors that have endangered lives and contributed to unstable power supply in Offa and its environs for over six decades.
This crucial step follows our press release of 15th September 2025, in which we raised public awareness about the deteriorated infrastructure and called on IBEDC to urgently replace the dangerously undersized lines installed as far back as 1963.
In direct response, the Managing Director of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha, approved the immediate start of the replacement work. As of 5:00 p.m. on 29th September 2025, IBEDC engineers had removed the old conductors from the section starting in front of the Olofa Palace, with progress currently reaching the Popo Transformer DSS near Tafa Joba.
The obsolete conductors — extending over 22,500 meters and serving more than 150 transformers under the Offa Business Hub — have been a persistent source of electrocution, fire outbreaks, and frequent power interruptions. Their ongoing replacement marks a major milestone toward safer and more reliable electricity supply for households, businesses, schools, and essential public services.
Appreciation and Call for Completion
We commend the Managing Director of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha, for his swift action in addressing this long-standing issue. We also appreciate the Kwara Regional Head, Engr. Oluwatoyin Akinyosoye, for his unwavering support and cooperation, which have been instrumental in the commencement of this critical project.
However, while we acknowledge this progress, ICAN strongly urges IBEDC to ensure that the replacement exercise is completed along the entire stretch of undersized conductors. Partial replacement will not deliver the sustainable solution the community urgently requires.
Additional Critical Demands
To fully resolve the power challenges in Offa and its environs, ICAN further calls for the following actions:
1. Replacement of the obsolete 7.5 MVA transformers installed since 1963.
2. Deployment of higher-capacity transformers and modern distribution equipment to meet rising electricity demand.
3. Appointment of qualified and experienced personnel to manage the Offa Business Hub.
4. Comprehensive network upgrades to guarantee a minimum of 12 hours of electricity supply daily.
5. Provision of free meters to eliminate estimated billing.
ICAN will continue to closely monitor the implementation of this replacement project and other necessary improvements. Our commitment remains steadfast to ensuring that all electricity consumers enjoy safe, reliable, and equitable power supply — a foundation for economic growth, public safety, and sustainable community development.
Signed,
Engr. Tajudeen Iwalola
President, Ibolo Consumers Advocacy of Nigeria (ICAN)
Mr. Shehu Olanrewaju
Secretary, Ibolo Consumers Advocacy of Nigeria (ICAN)
