Yemisi Izuora
Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) has confirmed its readiness to partner with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to industrialize Edo State and create jobs for its teeming unemployed youths.
The pledge was made to the Governor during a courtesy visit by the Board of Directors and Management of BEDC led by its Chairman, Mr. Victor Gbolade Osibodu in Benin.
In her presentation during the visit, Managing Director/ CEO, BEDC, had solicited for cooperation from Edo State government on power improvement process and in the enumeration process.
The BEDC CEO further told Governor Obaseki that Edo State has the highest number of customers with pre-paid meters in the country and enjoys in several places, an average of 12 hours power availability per day- one of the highest in the country, with some industrial customers now enjoying up to 22 hours power supply.
The CEO confirmed that BEDC had ensured constant electricity for street lighting, hospitals and government establishments.
Governor Obaseki in response affirmed his government’s focus on leveraging on comparative advantages and key factor endowments in production and commerce, stressing that the partnership with BEDC as a service provider in the area of electricity would assist his administration optimize job creation potentials.
The Governor stated that his government would develop industrial hub which will focus on agro business value chain, as well as specialized industries such as furniture, automobile and,electrical training center providing jobs
for the unemployed youths of the state.
He requested BEDC to key into the initiative through power supply synergy to facilitate the realization of this objectives.
The Managing Director further disclosed that about 50 per cent of energy supplied to customers in Edo-State was not paid for, and sought for the government’s assistance in the criminalization of energy theft and fast-tracking prosecution of offenders, through the set-up of specialized courts for power sector offences.
Speaking on the YongXing Power Steel Company, the CEO stated that the outfit has been enjoying good
terms despite protests and agitation from the public that BEDC is diverting power to the company.