Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has urged Nigerians to embrace internal security measures to check vandalism of national assets and disruption of economic activities.

Mr Oyebanji made the call on Friday while inaugurating electrification projects at Idi-Aagba and New Maryland Avenue in Ado-Ekiti.

He said that while government agencies perform their statutory duties of protecting assets, communities must complement such efforts by monitoring and safeguarding public installations.

The governor noted that his administration places a high value on electrification, reconnecting over 40 towns to the national grid since the start of his government.

Represented by the deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, Mr Oyebanji pledged to extend power supply to more communities to boost business activities and strengthen local security.

He warned that vandals had plunged many towns into darkness after stealing or damaging electricity installations, thereby hindering social and economic development.

Mr Oyebanji said regular power supply was crucial to growing the local economy and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises to reduce unemployment and poverty.

He added that electricity would enhance nightlife, enabling traders, hoteliers, and transport operators to work safely into the night without fear of insecurity.

“I charge residents, especially landlords and youths, to protect these facilities from vandals and ensure their sustainability for communal benefit,” Mr Oyebanji said.

He added that forming local security groups would help prevent vandalism and ensure the durability of government-provided facilities for community development.

At the events, technical adviser on power infrastructure, Philip Atere, said the governor had eased access to prepaid meters to eliminate estimated billing.

He explained that 13 electrification projects were ongoing across Ekiti, noting that the Idi-Aagba and Maryland Avenue projects were directly connected to the national grid.

Mr Atere urged residents to obtain prepaid meters and pay only for power consumed, assuring that Mr Oyebanji’s efforts had transformed power supply in the state.

Chairman of Idi-Aagba Landlords Association, Babalola Michael, said the area had been in darkness for 15 years before the governor’s intervention.

He added that residents would reciprocate the gesture with strong electoral support in 2026, as the project had already revived business and property development.

(NAN)