kakalistiq.com reports that Hon. Fariu Arebi, an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain in Epe Local Government, has called on the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Rep. Wale Raji and other prominent political and government stakeholders to urgently address the prolonged energy crisis plaguing the Epe community. He urged them to champion a petition to the federal government for the completion of the long-abandoned Omotosho-Epe-Ajah power project.
The call, according to him, has become imperative due to the increasing contribution of the Epe Division to the GDP of Lagos State and Nigeria, which now surpasses the total GDP of Rwanda and continues to grow at a rapid pace. Notable projects such as the Lagos State multi-billion-naira food bank in Ketu-Epe, the film city in Ejirin, the proposed airport, and the surge in residential and commercial estates across the Epe and Ibeju-Lekki axis highlight the need for reliable and efficient power supply to sustain these transformative developments.
Hon. Arebi, a former Lagos State House of Assembly Member who represented Epe Constituency I during Governor Michael Otedola’s era, voiced his concerns on Saturday, December 14, 2024, via a series of posts on WhatsApp community platforms, where he emphasized the critical need for reliable electricity in Epe to support development and ongoing federal projects.
The Omotosho-Epe-Ajah power project, initiated during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo and championed by Chief Dapo Sarumi and Dr. Olusegun Agagu, was designed to provide stable power to Epe and its environs. However, the project has remained incomplete for over two decades, stalling progress in the astronomically developing area.
“The project was first awarded during Baba Obasanjo’s presidency,” Arebi explained. “Despite Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s attempt to pay ₦5 billion to fast-track its completion, political roadblocks frustrated the effort. It is high time we broke this cycle of neglect.”
Epe, like many other parts of Nigeria, continues to suffer from erratic power supply due to vandalism of infrastructure and frequent national grid collapses. Hon. Arebi noted that the consequences of these outages have stunted economic growth and threatened critical services.
“The new Federal Medical Center in Epe, brought to life under Dr. Alausa’s leadership, requires stable electricity to operate efficiently,” he stated. “This facility has the potential to save lives, but without power, it cannot function optimally.”
Hon. Arebi praised past leaders who have championed development projects in Epe, highlighting Chief Dapo Sarumi’s efforts in securing Epe’s connection to the National Telephone Trunk Network, Governor Michael Otedola’s facilitation of YABATECH, LASU campuses and the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education now LASUED, Chief Yomi Edu’s push for ecological funding to combat water hyacinth, and Governor Ambode’s transformation of Epe into an investment hub.
“Each of these leaders left an indelible mark on Epe’s growth,” he remarked. “Now, Dr. Alausa holds the key to completing the Omotosho-Epe-Ajah project as a substantive cabinet minister. This is an opportunity to change the narrative for Epe once and for all.”
Hon. Arebi urged all stakeholders to collaborate in demanding action, including the deputy governor, local government chairpersons from Epe and its environs, state legislators, and federal representatives like Senator Tokunbo Abiru and Rep. Wale Raji.
“Our leaders must rally together to petition the federal government through the Lagos State government. This project is not just about electricity; it’s about securing the future of Epe,” he said.
Arebi expressed hope for a united push to revive the project. “May Allah guide our leaders to fulfill this mission. The time to act is now.”
The completion of the Omotosho-Epe-Ajah power project remains a beacon of hope for Epe’s growth, with the potential to transform the fish basket of Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape.
