The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution (AEDC) Plc has engaged with some protesting youths in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, and pledged improved power supply in the area.
The engagement followed a planned protest by some youths who are agitating for improved power supply in the city.
Six top officials of the AEDC from the headquarters in Abuja met with the youths at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of the town, the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Maikarfi (III).
The AEDC team was led by the Chief Internal Auditor of the Company, Mr. Ahmed Salau. Other members of the team include the Head of Technical Service, Engr. Abdullahi Saidu Gorebe, the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Oyebode Fadipe and the Regional Manager, Kogi Region, Alhaji Garba Madani.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Fadipe gave reasons for the low level of power in the town, stressing that it is a national problem. He thanked the Maigari for the leadership role he played in resolving the matter and assured him of the determination of the Company at ensuring improved electricity distribution in the town.
Mr. Fadipe also expressed the Company’s gratitude to the youths for conducting themselves in a civilised manner during the protest. He described their demands as legitimate and promised to convey their message to the top management of the Company for urgent steps to be taken towards solving the problem, which is to ensure that residents enjoy improved power supply daily.
Earlier in his address, the Royal Father had voiced the minds of the agitating groups. Equally, a leader of the group, Comrade Sulaiman Isiaka decried the dwindling fortunes of small and medium businesses in the Lokoja metropolis, which he attributed to inadequate power supply and appealed for an improvement.
The youth group known as #LightUpLokoja, had earlier expressed reservation about the low power supply in the town, and indicated its resolve to stage peaceful protests unless the AEDC improves power supply to the town.
