The long-awaited moment has finally arrived for the residents of Ilupeju Ijan-Ekiti as the community officially welcomed the restora1tion of electricity on October 10, 2025, marking the end of a more than ten-year blackout. The commissioning held today, was graced by the Executive Chairman of Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Damilare Ajayi together with the council management team and featured His Royal Majesty Oba Lawrence Adebanji Aladesuyi, the Onijan of Ijan Kingdom, Chiefs alongside prominent community leaders.
In a ceremony filled with excitement, residents expressed their joy upon witnessing the restoration of power. Hon. Damilare Ajayi delivered a heartfelt address, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the newly installed transformer and ensuring its proper maintenance to prevent theft or damage. He urged the community to work closely with officials from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), advocating for unity and cooperation, as well as the establishment of a committee for efficient oversight of electricity management.
Hon. Ajayi informed residents that all previous debts owed to NEPA, now BEDC had been settled, allowing the community members to begin afresh with their billing. Apart from payment of outstanding debts, the council also procured electricity cables which were carted away by vandals some years ago,thereby reconnected electricity to Ilupeju- Ijan axis.
He also encouraged residents to fulfill their tax obligations to enhance the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of the local council, which in turn would facilitate further infrastructural development and improvements in public services. He expressed gratitude to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his prompt approval in making the electricity restoration a reality.
Community leaders, including Baale Prince Adeniku Obarinde, youth leader Mr. Abegunde Samuel, Hon. Taye Aremu, and Iyaloja, collectively thanked Governor Oyebanji and Hon. Damilare Ajayi for their support in bringing electricity back to the community. Baale Obarinde acknowledged the existence of a functional committee and pledged their commitment to cooperate with BEDC officials, while also advocating for additional developmental projects, particularly the improvement of the road connecting Ilupeju Ijan-Ekiti to Aisegba Ekiti.
In response to these requests, Hon. Ajayi assured the community that plans are in place to attend to Ijan-Aisegba road during the forthcoming dry season, further underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Ilupeju Ijan-Ekiti.
This significant milestone not only represents a vital step toward modernization for the community but also symbolizes renewed hopes for continued development and cooperation between the government and its citizens.
