What was intended to be a forward-looking discussion on food security and youth involvement in agriculture turned into a passionate debate about Epe community’s longstanding electricity issues.
kakalistiq.com reports that on Friday, October 11, 2024, the Lagos State House of Assembly, Epe Constituency I, hosted a Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting themed “Ensuring Food Security for a Sustainable Future: Youth Participation & Home-Grown Farming.”
Hon. Abiodun Tobun, the lawmaker representing Epe Constituency I, led the meeting, which saw the attendance of key figures, including the Lagos State Welfare Secretary of the APC, Hon. Kehinde Adeniyi; Hon. Hammed Seriki from the Local Government Service Commission; representatives of HRM Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, Oloja of Epe Land and HRM Oba Shefiu Adewale, Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom; and HRM Oba Sikirudeen Alugbin, the Oniladaba of Ladaba Kingdom.
Other notable stakeholders include Epe Divisions Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh AbdulRahmon Sadala; Grand Chief Imam of Epe Land, Sheikh AbdulKabir Shamradeen, Engineer Bola Matanmi; Epe LGA Party Chairman Hon. Toyin Gbadamosi and Chairman of All Ward Chairmen in Lagos, Hon. Seriki Olabowale.
Addressing the power crisis, Hon. Tobun acknowledged the growing frustrations of the constituents. He noted that while efforts were being made to tackle the issue, progress had been stalled by past mistakes. “The NIPP project meant to improve our electricity supply was disrupted due to a land dispute. The equipment meant for Epe was diverted elsewhere,” Tobun lamented. “But we’ve secured a new route for the project, which cuts across Epe Resort, Oko-Orisan and my parcel of land. I’ve sacrificed this for the greater good of our community.”
The lawmaker also highlighted long-term strategies to stabilize the community’s power, including the pursuit of a new 33kVa power line or an upgrade to a 132/33kVa system. He stressed that the power infrastructure issue must not be mishandled again. “We cannot afford the same costly mistakes that have kept Epe in darkness,” he warned.
Hon. Tobun, during his address, reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State House of Assembly to tackle food insufficiency by transforming Lagos into a producing state within the agriculture value chain. Echoing the sentiments of Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Tobun highlighted that this effort aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including eradicating poverty, achieving zero hunger, and promoting good health.
He emphasized that the Assembly has implemented transformational laws and policies to support agriculture, with initiatives aimed at building farmer competence, improving the agro-business climate, and directly intervening in agricultural activities. Tobun reiterated that the Lagos State Government is dedicated to eradicating hunger and ensuring food security in the state.
In a heartfelt response to the power crisis, High Chief Waheed Olaolu, the Olisa of Epe Land, echoed the need for personal sacrifices for communal benefit. “We must all contribute to lifting up our community. The errors of the past should teach us to avoid further disruption,” he said.
Despite the focus on electricity, Hon. Tobun used the platform to update constituents on his contributions to the area’s development. He pointed to the creation of an ICT center at Odo-Obara and the sponsorship of students preparing for the JAMB exams as evidence of his commitment to education. “Our students have been excelling, and we’ve provided scholarships for those who perform well,” he said.
Tobun also mentioned his efforts in road construction especially with the recent approval by the Lagos State Government to open up Ward C1 (Ito-Omu-Eleran-Igbe), reconstruction of the dilapidated Odo-Obara Highschool hall while stressing his notable health care interventions at the Epe General Hospital.
Hon. Tobun further emphasized his support for local agriculture, noting that significant investments have been made to boost farming. “Agriculture is crucial to ensuring our food security. We’ve supported our farmers and we’ll continue to invest in their success,” he assured.
Chairperson of Epe Local Government, Hon. (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the purpose of the meeting as a way to reflect on the lawmaker’s achievements. “Hon. Tobun has been exceptional,” she praised. “He may not mention everything, but his work speaks for itself.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency, provided insight into the efforts being made at the national level to address the electricity shortfall. “We’re exploring both short-term and long-term solutions to this problem,” Raji stated. “The Omotosho Power Project is one of the initiatives we are looking into.”
Renowned farmer and community leader Amina Shabi expressed her concerns regarding the accumulation of unpaid bills and outdated electricity infrastructure. “We need prepaid meters. We cannot continue paying for services we don’t receive,” she asserted. “Most of the electric cables have been carted away, and we need urgent action.”
In response, Hon. Tobun reassured the farmers that their concerns were being addressed. “We are not ignoring you. We’ll continue to support our farmers and find permanent solutions to our power issues,” he vowed.
With promises of action from both local, State and national leaders, the residents of Epe hope that their longstanding power struggles will soon come to an end, allowing the community to focus on sustainable development and agricultural growth.
