Tension gripped Asaba, the Delta State capital, as angry youths, residents and landlords from Okpanam community I’m Oshimili north local government area of the State stormed and barricaded the entrance to the Delta State Government House, protesting weeks of total blackout in their area.
Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with messages like “Government authority please, help us ooo”, “enough is enough BEDC Okpanam”, “stop the exploitation BEDC, Okpanam”, “Enough is enough BEDC, “We are in capital territory but living as slaves”, “we say no to BEDC Supply plan to Okpanam”, BEDC please, give us light and transformer”, among others.
The Story, reports that the protest, which began in the early hours of Thursday April 9, 2025, morning, at Okpanam roundabout caused heavy gridlock along the popular Okpanam road and major adjoining roads, disrupting official activities and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
“We’ve endured over a month without power. Our businesses are suffering, students can’t study, and we’ve gotten nothing but silence from those in power,” said one of the youth leaders who identified himself as Chuks Onianwa. “This is no longer neglect—it’s oppression.”
Despite repeated complaints and appeals to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and local authorities, residents say the power supply has remained non-existent, worsening their living conditions and crippling the local economy.
Security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene to maintain order, but the protest remained peaceful at the time of filing this report.
In response to the peaceful staged by residents and Youths of Okpanam over prolonged power outages, security concerns and infrastructural neglect, the Delta State government has assured the community of swift intervention and sustainable solutions.
The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Johnson Erijo, who received the demonstrators at Government House, Asaba.
Erijo commended the protesters for their organization, discipline, and articulate presentation of grievances, describing them as “well-informed and focused.”
Addressing the protesters, Mr. Erijo acknowledged the severe impact of erratic power supply from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), which, according to the residents, has exacerbated insecurity in Okpanam, including rising cases of kidnappings and robberies under the cover of darkness.
“We understand your pain,” Erijo said. “Power challenges are not peculiar to Okpanam alone; even Government House does not rely on BEDC due to the same issues.”
He highlighted the state government’s proactive efforts to tackle the energy crisis, particularly through legislative reforms.
“Governor Oborevwori is at the final stage of establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework to liberalize the power sector in Delta State,” Erijo revealed.
“Once this is in place, private investors will be empowered to offer alternative, reliable power solutions across communities.”
On the growing insecurity in Okpanam, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the menace.
“Security matters are sensitive and not always discussed in public. But I want to assure you that your concerns have been taken seriously, and the governor will act swiftly.”
He also welcomed the youths’ offer to partner with the government in combating criminal elements in the area, noting that such collaboration is critical to achieving long-term peace and safety.
Erijo further touched on the issue of political delineation raised by the protesters, acknowledging it as a legitimate concern but one largely within the jurisdiction of federal authorities.
He urged patience and unity while promising that Delta State would continue to push for fair representation across its communities.
In closing, Mr. Erijo instructed the Ministry of Energy to immediately engage with BEDC to explore temporary solutions that could offer some relief to Okpanam residents while long-term plans are being finalized.
“Your voices have been heard,” he assured. “The governor remains committed to ensuring that no community is left behind in the development agenda of this administration.”
The peaceful protest, which drew wide attention, was lauded by observers for its civility and clarity of purpose.
Similarly, following the peaceful protest staged by Okpanam residents over persistent power outages and security concerns, the Regional Manager of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Engr. Gboyenga Agulegiga, has addressed the grievances, acknowledging the electricity supply crisis and calling for cooperation between the community and BEDC in tackling the issues.
Speaking in Asaba, Engr. Agulegiga admitted that BEDC, like other power distribution companies across Nigeria, is facing immense pressure due to a severe shortfall in national electricity generation and inadequate infrastructure.
“As of today, the minimum power demand in Asaba is about 164 megawatts, but we barely received 42 MW yesterday,” he said.
“The situation is not peculiar to Delta State alone, it is a nationwide crisis. Nigeria currently generates about 5,200 MW for over 200 million people, when we should be generating around 200,000 MW to meet the actual demand.”
He noted that while the situation is dire, recent developments suggest hope on the horizon.
“This is the first dry season we’ve managed to maintain generation at over 5,000 MW. With the onset of the rainy season, we expect it to climb to 8,000 MW,” he added.
Engr. Agulegiga also pointed out ongoing national efforts to address power distribution constraints, including recently awarded contracts to evacuate trapped generation and improve transmission networks.
On the issue of estimated billing, the Regional Manager disclosed that the Federal Government is rolling out three major metering programs: the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP), and the Presidential Metering Initiative.
“These programs are designed to ensure that all electricity consumers are properly metered by the end of 2025,” he said. “We have already started installing meters in Band A areas and will begin distribution to lower bands shortly.”
He emphasized the importance of metering as a tool for transparency and fairness, stating, “It’s not just about light; it’s also about trust.
“With a meter, you can hold us accountable for what you consume. Estimated billing is frustrating for everyone, consumers and BEDC alike.”
In a bid to foster stronger collaboration, Engr. Agulegiga proposed the establishment of a joint stakeholder engagement committee between BEDC and the Okpanam community which has been scheduled for Tuesday April 15, 2025.
“We invite your community leaders, especially the youth, to sit with us and form a stakeholder relationship management team,” he suggested.
“When we work together, we can identify the critical pinpoints and address them more effectively. Improvement might not come overnight, but it will come.”
He concluded by thanking the protesters for their peaceful conduct and reaffirming BEDC’s commitment to finding long-term solutions.
“Your concerns are valid. We are not dismissing them. We ask only for continued patience and collaboration as we work toward a more reliable electricity supply in Okpanam and across Delta State.”
