Emir charges IBEDC on stable power supply, seeks employment placement for Kwarans

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, has charged the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on the need to make regular power supply to Ilorin, the State in general and other states under their operational catchment areas.

The Emir made this appeal when the management of the power distributors paid him a courtesy visit in his Palace, on Tuesday. The team was led by Dr. Ademola Adewumi, the Chief Commercial Officer, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company. The Regional Head of Kwara Region, Engr. Toyin Akinyosoye, other management officers and selected staffers were in the entourage of the visit to the Emir’s palace.

In his brief address, the Emir acknowledged the good work delivery of the company and enjoined them to make the supply of power to be more regular and stable.

The Emir also pleaded for consideration in the area of job placement whenever the company is recruiting by giving appreciable opportunities to applicants from Kwara State and Ilorin in particular which is one of the most viable consumers in their area of operations.

The Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in the State further promise his support in every way possible to the company to ease their operations in the State and beyond.

Earlier the leader of the team, Dr. Ademola Adewumi, who represented the MD/CEO, said that they are in the palace to seek for the support of the royal father and as well receive blessings from the treasured throne of the Ilorin Emirate.

Dr. Adewumi, while acknowledging the previous support the company has received from the palace, reiterated the fact that one of the core values of the company is stakeholders’ engagement thereby working closely with communities or areas of their operational base in order to better the needs of the people in such environment.

While seeking for continuous support from the royal father, the leader of the team acknowledged the efforts of the Emir in ensuring the sustenance of the rich culture of Ilorin Emirate, particularly through the yearly organised Ilorin Emirate Durbar festival.

Also speaking, the Danmasani of Ilorin, Engr Sulyman Yahaya Oba Alapansanpa, a renown electrical engineer,
Power veteran and immediate past Chairman, Governing Board of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency,
brought his experience to bare, advising on the need to further cement the cordial relationship of the company and that of Kwarans, particularly the Ilorin Emirate.

In his brief speech, Engr. Alapansanpa suggested that IBEDC should set up a Customer Consultative Forum (CCF), which will consist representatives from IBEDC, Industrial Customers, Commercial Customers, Residential Customers, representative of traditional council in the emirate, security outfits, among others, which will be chaired by the Regional Head.

He stated further that, this will go a long way in improving the relationship between the community and the company, particularly in the areas of cash collection, reduction of technical and commercial losses and easy way of disseminating prevailing company policies.

The highly respected emirate chief, concluded by applauding the company on their strides in improving power supply in the state, particularly the emirate but urged them to do more.