Every occasion I avail myself of a respite from work, I find myself disinclined to return home due to the lack of enjoyable amenities in my current residential area within Lagos.
I am a resident of the Ibeshe vicinity in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria. Although this community is generally peaceful, the local electricity company appears enthusiastic about plunging us into darkness, necessitating payment for services we scarcely receive.
In the past, I have been subjected to distressing reports of frequent blackouts lasting for days, with little concern exhibited by the authorities responsible for electricity supply.
The consequences of this harrowing experience are not trivial, as it involves the wastage of funds spent on TV channel subscriptions, which are rendered virtually useless, lasting only a week or even less.
For the past two days, there has been no explanation for the persistent blackout, yet we continue to bear the burden with apparent resignation. My reliance on a power bank for charging my phone has left it depleted. As a taxpayer in an affluent state, I find this situation quite ironic.
Navigating the roads leading to my street is a daunting task due to the perpetual darkness. The electricity company fails to provide light, and residents lament the exorbitant fuel prices, which prevent them from powering their generators. One can only imagine the plight of those who do not have such means.
The masses do not ask for much, merely basic amenities from our leaders, enabling us to experience the essentials of life before our time on this Earth concludes.
I am left wondering why service providers fail to communicate with their subscribers or customers, explaining their dereliction of duty. Do we not deserve an explanation for the services we diligently pay for? What purpose do we serve by remaining in Lagos under such circumstances?
The scarcity of water at home further exacerbates the situation, and there is little hope of experiencing electricity in the coming week. The overall environment is unpleasant.
I take this opportunity to personally appeal to Governor Sanwo-Olu and other leaders within this state to earnestly consider our welfare.
We assert our right to enjoy the services for which we duly pay, not seeking gratuitous offerings from the government. We comprehend the limitations of our surroundings and have accepted our circumstances.”
