BEDC MD Visits NSCDC, Seeks Equipment Protection

MANAGING Director/Chief Executive of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc (BEDC) Mr. Deolu Ijose has called for more collaboration and support from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in curbing various challenges faced by the electricity distribution company.

In a press release after the visit, BEDC’s Head, Branding and Corporate Communications, Mrs. Evelyn Gbiwen, said the MD/CEO frowned at assault on staff and vandalism of electrical equipment within the Disco’s franchise states of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti and therefore solicited the assistance of the NSCDC in bringing culprits to book.

Recall that a BEDC staff was recently attacked by a woman said to be a police officer in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. BEDC said she had not paid her electricity bill for seven months and had reconnected herself three times but pounced on the BEDC staff when she was found out and was about to be disconnected while she also brought her colleagues to arrest the electricity staff. The case has been reported to the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, Delta State capital for action by the police authorities.

Deolu called for support and co-operation during a courtesy visit to the Corps Commandant , Matthew Uboyi  recently in Benin City, the Edo State capital. According to Deolu who spoke through the Chief Security Officer of the company, Lt. Col. David Solomon Aghedo (rtd), the visit was a continuation of his familiarisation and interaction with key sensitive stakeholders in the Disco’s network since his appointment as the MD/CEO of the Benin Disco. He also said the visit was to strengthen the mutual relationship that has existed amongst the two organisations over the years.

The Benin Disco helmsman commended the NSCDC for the  effort in assisting BEDC to combat vandals. Deolu said the rate of vandalism in the network is alarming and called on the NSCDC Commandant to assist in curbing the menace through constant patrol of the company’s facilities.

Responding, the NSCDC Commandant commended the BEDC Managing Director for the visit and assured that the security agency will sustain the fight against vandalism, describing BEDC facilities as a critical infrastructure that must be protected.

He assured the BEDC MD of greater synergy and assistance in protecting the company’s assets, adding that the Command will work with the Disco in identifying their modus operandi and where the illicit acts are being perpetrated so as to apprehend the culprits and make them to face the full wrath of the law.