Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, has described the concurrence of the Senate to the amendment of Electric Power Sector Reform Act sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson, as a way of contributing to the overall development of GENCOs host communities.
The Senate, had, during the week, concurred with the House of Representatives on the amendment proposed by the third term lawmaker in 2021, which now awaits the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to become law.
Hon. Gbadebo – Alogba, whose council is hosting the Egbin PLC’s thermal station, spoke with THE IMPACT on the development.
While commending Rep. Benson who is representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, she also said that the law is long overdue and that the fund would mitigate the effects of the GENCOs operations in host communities.
“The positive impact of this bill is anticipated to significantly contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the areas hosting these crucial power-generating facilities. We eagerly await the President’s assent, which will transform this bill into law, bringing about positive change in our communities”, Hon. Gbadebo – Alogba said.
“I extend my commendation to Rep. Babajimi Benson, for the successful passage of the bill aimed at amending the Electric Power Sector Reform Act. Rep. Benson’s unwavering commitment to addressing the concerns of host communities, notably those surrounding the Egbin Thermal Power Station in Ikorodu Federal Constituency, deserves recognition.
“The inclusion of a provision for host communities to receive 5% of the actual annual operating expenditure from Power Generating Companies, is a landmark development, and its long-overdue implementation is welcomed. This provision is pivotal in ensuring that communities directly impacted by these companies, can witness tangible development and effective mitigation of any adverse effect”, she said.
The Ijede Council boss said that the development, which the GENCOs are meant to undertake, is in tandem with her administration’s goal in the grassroots which is to impact lives of the residents through the provision of infrastructures.
“Rep. Babajimi’s foresight in proposing that GENCOs undertake targeted developmental projects, aligning with the broader goal of improving the lives of people in their host communities, resonates with the ongoing initiatives in Ijede LCDA under the current administration.
“Here, we are committed to providing people-centered governance by delivering basic amenities such as an enhanced primary healthcare center, additional structures for primary schools, and a library for the expansion of knowledge and human capacity development for our staff.
“With the anticipated assent to this bill by the executive, it will provide more resources within the purview of the Local Authority to deliver on the promised dividends of democracy”, she said.
