POWER GENERATION; AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE 2

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Truth be told, PHED have been doing well over here and I almost forgot what it was like to stay in darkness for weeks on end. Almost…

There is just that “something” in the average Nigerian that causes an overlook of past worries and the desire to enjoy immediate pleasures. Sure, it has its benefits as we have a low suicide rate but it also makes us complacent. Small flex and we’ve forgiven our government all its faults. Alas, here ends my political ranting but I will come back to this.

The issue that brought me here needs no explanation on my part. If you woke up with light (not generator o) at home this morning, you’re one of the lucky ones. When you consider that an estimated 20 million households in Nigeria are without power, it humbles you and your complaints get fewer. I don’t need to bore you with the facts;

  • ·         How the country is blessed with large oil, gas, hydro and solar resources
  • ·         The reality that we only generate 12,522 megawatts
  • ·         The depressing truth that most days we are only able to generate 4,000 megawatts

 

You can say that these are bleak figures and I totally agree. The situation we are faced with is that too much or too little power either way will cause the grid to crash and where will that leave us? It’s not my place to say. The ideal solution in the mind of this equally affected Nigerian is off grid power generation. There is some progress like Lumos Inc.’s plan to deploy 70,000 solar panels to residences and businesses in the country. We’re not done yet…

 

Bringing this look on perspective to a close, let us look once again at “selective amnesia”; the habit of Nigerians to forget crucial issues once we have access to a trivial but valid destruction. I won’t give examples but Big Brother Naija is an event that has the same effect although it keeps us sane (sometimes). But think about this; what if the federal government used 24/7 light to distract us from bad governance? Let me know what you think.

 

Next post will cover theories and we just might break down some of your favorite shows. See you then


Comments

  1. The AlphaJuly 31, 2020 at 3:13 AM

    This is a valid question, nevertheless, I would rather have 24/7 electricity and bad governance, than no/poor electricity and bad governance. You dig?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Abuja AjeboJuly 31, 2020 at 2:52 PM

    So we didn't have light for almost two weeks. The fridge turned to a cupboard. We stored only dry stuff. The freezer was almost sacred stuff. You had to be fast so that the remaining frost will not vanish leaving the freezer in the same as the fridge. I should not complain since at least I have access to generator. Light is one problem. Bad road another one. The fact that it seems a whole academic year has gone is another one. The fear one has to not fall sick so fake drugs will not be administered. I'm Nigerian. I think I should get accolades for being one. The government needs to be trashed. This week I think, I was listening to the radio and someone said; "the people waiting to steal Nigeria's money are more than those who are stealing it". For me, the future never looked more bleak. But I still smile.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kidd informantAugust 5, 2020 at 5:07 PM

      Damn. Your courage is admirable in the face of such uncertain times. I'm glad you commented cause now I know I am not alone in hoping and waiting for better days. Dear reader, they are coming.

      Delete
  3. UnknownAugust 3, 2020 at 1:23 AM

    This is incredibly sad. However I believe "selective amnesia" is the average Nigerians' way of coping with the lands' many stresses. Awa motto, "we move"!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kidd informantAugust 5, 2020 at 5:08 PM

      I fully endorse the coping strategy because otherwise we'll all be jumping off bridges. However, there has to be a limit to it so we don't forget we aren't always meant to endure

      Delete

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