Babalaje of Ogbomoso, Open Salawu, Restores Electricity to Okin Apa After Two Years in Darkness

After a debilitating two-year outage, residents of Okin Apa in Oyo State are finally back under the glow of electric light — thanks to the intervention of Engr. Muftau “Open” Salawu, the Babalaje of Ogbomoso land. The community rejoiced as power was restored, enabling households and businesses to resume normal activity.

In a brief ceremony, Salawu stated his commitment to leaving no community behind and cited the electrification as part of a broader effort to support rural infrastructure and economic revival. He remarked that reliable electricity is more than convenience — it is essential for education, health services and livelihoods.

Community leaders expressed deep gratitude for the restoration. One elder told reporters: “For two long years we lived in darkness — now our children can study at night and our small businesses can operate again.” The local youth association also pledged to maintain the infrastructure and collaborate with local authorities to avoid future blackouts.

The restoration marks a significant turnaround for Okin Apa, which has long struggled with the consequences of long-term power irregularities: cancelled exams, spoiled food, costly generator use, and shuttered shops. With light restored, optimism has returned — residents are now calling on government agencies to follow-through with further support, including street lighting, reliable distribution and preventive maintenance.

Salawu concluded by encouraging other communities to persist in demanding basic services while cooperating with public- and private-sector partners. “When we turn the lights on,” he said, “we turn opportunity on too.”