12th June, 2018
Football fans in Yola say while the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) have been supplying power steadily in recent times, there is still the need for its sustenance during “Russia 2018’’.
A cross-section of fans who spoke with newsmen in Yola said they were satisfied with the improved power supply in the state capital.
They, however, expressed the hope that the company would sustain the tempo during the FIFA World Cup which holds in Russia from June 14 to July 15.
“I am satisfied with the level of power supply to our area in Yolde-Pate in the past five months and my prayer is that the tempo would be maintained during the World Cup,” Sale Musa, a football fan in the area, said.
Other die-hard football fans in the area, Martins Ibrahim and Usman Hussaini, who are both of Dougirei Ward, also expressed satisfaction with the present level of electricity supply.
They, however, pointed out that it would be a serious disappointment if YEDC should fail during the World Cup period.
“I hope they will live up to expectations as usual so that we don’t curse them as was the case with their predecessors — NEPA and PHCN,” Hussaini said.
Peter Ismaila of Jambutu Ward, however, expressed fears because of the rainy season which sometimes was blamed for the power supply.
“Every time it rains heavily, there’s blackout and such blackout sometimes lasted for long hours.
“I hope the company is prepared for the rains so that such faults can be addressed within the shortest possible time,” Ismaila said.
Speaking on the commitment of YEDC to ensure steady power supply during the World Cup, the company’s spokesman, Kingsley Nkemneme, said they were doing their best to meet customers’ demand.
Nkemneme said the company was aware of the challenges posed by the rainy season and called for prompt reporting of electricity faults for prompt action.
“We just received reports of faults after this morning’s downpour from three places and our men have been there to address them.
“I want to call for more collaboration and support from our customers to enable us serve them more effectively,” Nkemneme said.