TRUE LEADERSHIP BEGINS FROM HOME:
Appreciating Efforts While Calling for Urgent Action on Government College Power Crisis
Leadership is not about noise, unnecessary attacks, or constant criticism. True leadership begins with understanding the realities on ground, acknowledging sincere efforts, and offering constructive contributions toward development. Those aspiring to lead Ekiti State must first demonstrate meaningful impact within their immediate environment before making sweeping promises about transforming the entire state.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji has shown commitment to the development of Ekiti, particularly in the area of rural electrification and improved power supply across several towns and communities. Such efforts deserve recognition and encouragement rather than outright condemnation. Development is a gradual process that must align with available resources, planning, and government priorities.
Recently, the Governor approved the replacement of the damaged 2.5MVA transformer at Odo Oja with a new 5MVA transformer to improve electricity supply in the area. Another 500KVA transformer was also provided to boost power supply along the BUESTI axis. These interventions reflect ongoing efforts to address electricity challenges across the state.
However, while appreciating these efforts, it is equally important to draw urgent attention to the prolonged power crisis affecting the Government College transformer unit in Ikere-Ekiti.
For exactly five months now, since December 10, 2025, the transformer serving Government College, Demonstration School, and Staff Schools has remained faulty, leaving students and residents in complete darkness. The situation has made learning extremely difficult, especially for students who can no longer study effectively at night.
What makes the situation more painful is the fact that the affected community has consistently shown responsibility and commitment by funding repairs themselves without meaningful government support. After armed robbers vandalized the transformer initially, members of the community contributed about ₦3.7 million to repair it. Barely six months later, the transformer developed another fault, and the same community again raised nearly ₦3 million for repairs.
Unfortunately, after another eight months of use, the transformer developed yet another fault due to overloading. Technical experts advised that the old 300KVA transformer should be upgraded to a 500KVA transformer to meet the increasing electricity demand within the area.
Despite several letters and appeals to relevant authorities, the Government College transformer unit remains in darkness. Promises have been made by both the Senator representing the district and the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives that a transformer would be provided by March. Sadly, we are now in May, and nothing tangible has been done.
The community has also continued to hear reports about the allocation of 11 transformers to Ikere, yet there is still no clear information regarding their whereabouts or whether the Government College transformer unit will benefit from the intervention.
Meanwhile, when a similar transformer fault occurred around Imayan Library Junction, Otun-Ekiti, the community reached out to Senator Cyril Fasuyi, and within a month, a brand-new 500KVA transformer was provided. This demonstrates that urgent intervention is possible when swift attention is given to community needs.
The current situation at Government College is becoming increasingly unbearable for residents, students, teachers, and families affected by the prolonged blackout. Education, security, and general welfare are being negatively impacted on a daily basis.
We therefore passionately appeal once again to all relevant authorities, political representatives, and stakeholders to urgently come to the aid of the Government College transformer unit community by providing the needed 500KVA transformer and restoring stable electricity to the area.
As concerned stakeholders, we are also actively working on possible solutions to address the power supply challenges affecting Government College Ikere-Ekiti and its surrounding communities.
Constructive criticism remains important in every democracy, but such criticism must be fair, factual, and objective. As Ekiti people, we must continue to support every genuine effort aimed at moving the state forward while also demanding urgent attention to critical issues affecting our communities.
Signed:
Isa Pol Consultancy Information and Communication Firm
