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OPINION: Nigerian Electricity Lie And The Old Northern Folklore

Published

11 months ago

June 18, 2025

By Israel Adebiyi

There is an old Northern Nigerian folklore titled “Ali and the Angel: Tea Without Sugar.” In this tale, a man named Ali, sensing opportunity in a village too poor to afford sugar, disguised himself as an angel. He claimed he had brought “heavenly sugar” to sweeten their tea. The “sugar,” however, was nothing but ashes from a burnt hut.

Desperate, the villagers bought into the trick. They stirred ashes into their tea and convinced themselves the taste had improved. Some even fell ill. But by the time they realized they had been drinking poison and praising a fraudster, Ali had vanished—along with their money, their health, and their hope.

This story may be folklore, but it mirrors Nigeria’s journey through power sector privatization since 2013.

When the Goodluck Jonathan administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with private Distribution Companies (DISCOs), it was heralded as a turning point. These companies were handed over the reins with clear expectations: to invest massively in infrastructure, provide meters to every Nigerian, improve supply, and run the sector efficiently and transparently.

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: OPINION: The Elephant Must Beware Of The Red Carpet

Twelve years later, Nigerians are still drinking bitter tea—no sugar, no light.

Instead of improvement, we now have a sector that is both privatized and parasitic. Citizens pay for everything—transformers, poles, cables, and meters—yet receive no reliable power in return. In many communities, residents pool money to buy equipment the DISCOs should provide. This defies both logic and law.

Even more disturbing is the fact that government at national and sub-national levels continue to pump public funds into infrastructure for these private firms. Federal and state budgets routinely allocate billions for electrification projects, transformer procurements, and rural access—for a sector that is supposedly privatized.

This is an anomaly that turns logic on its head. In no sane privatization model should the public be the one enabling the private investor to function. The DISCOs were meant to invest, but instead, they have turned the system into a cash cow—earning trillions while hiding behind estimated billing and technical excuses.

Even as darkness deepens, tariffs are being raised, and there is now a push to remove electricity subsidies entirely. This is not reform; it is daylight robbery. You do not fix a leaky roof by tearing off the entire ceiling—you hold the builder accountable.

The President Bola Tinubu administration must act with urgency. A surgical probe is needed into the operations of the DISCOs. Nigerians need to know where the trillions went, why investments were not made, and why, a decade after privatization, over 60% of Nigerians still live in darkness.

It is time to review the MoU. Any DISCO that has failed to meet its obligations must face revocation of license. The government must chart a new course—one that aligns with public interest, not private greed.

Electricity is not just about light; it is about life—health, education, industry, and dignity. As it stands, the system is rigged against the people. It is as though someone promised them sugar, but sold them ashes—and made them pay for the spoon, the cup, and the tea as well.

Until something changes, Nigerians will continue to stir their bitter tea and pretend it’s sweet. But the deception must end. The fraud must be unmasked. The “angel” must be exposed.

Enough of power without light.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.