Women Protest Blackout, Warn Delta Politicians ‘No Light, No Campaign’

Over 100 women from lsoko communities in Delta State on Tuesday protested the protracted electricity crisis in the area.

The communities such as Irri, Emede, Ozoro, Ellu, Ofagbe, Olomoro, Emevor, and Iyede across Isoko South and Isoko North local government areas participated in the protest.

The protesting women carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Isoko Needs Light, No Light No Campaign”  accused politicians of ignoring the long-standing power challenges in the land and vowed that there will be no political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections unless a lasting solution was provided to the protracted electricity crisis that has added to their hardship and suffering.

The women, mainly market women and other businesses owners called for the immediate completion of the abandoned NDDC 132/33 KVA Ozoro substation to ensure 24-hour electricity supply. They staged the peaceful protest at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South local government area of the state.

They marched through streets in the town with a call on the state and federal governments to resolve the protracted electricity crisis in Isoko or face rejection during the 2027 general elections.

The women however demanded an end to the blackout that has plagued the oil-producing communities for years, insisting that the Isoko nation, despite being a major contributor to Nigeria’s treasury, has faced severe marginalization.

According to the women, they can no longer afford the cost of fuel and diesel to power their generators as their businesses have been crumbled following the protracted electricity crisis in Isoko.

“As the goose that lays the golden egg, we continued to suffer protracted electricity failure. Isoko is a major oil producer in Nigeria, but still suffering from electricity failure and they stand on ‘Isoko Need Light’, ‘No Light, No Campaign,’ protest.

Meanwhile, in a solidarity move, the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) worldwide, led by its president, Eniwake Orogu, declared his support to the ‘Isoko Need Light, No Light, No Campaign’ protest

“The near total collapse of electricity supply across our communities in Isoko Nation has crippled businesses, economic activities and driven our people deeper into poverty caused by prolonged electricity blackout across Isoko Nation.

“Yet Isoko Nation is blessed with abundance of oil and gas resources that can provide an alternative power supply for our people. Truly, a nation cannot campaign for votes in darkness while its citizens live in darkness – No Light No Campaign”.

“Electricity is not a privilege it is the oxygen that drives every economy. We must collaborate to hold the relevant authorities, the Delta State Government, BEDC, NERC and the oil & gas multinationals operating in our land accountable to ensure that Isoko’s contribution to Nigeria’s wealth is matched with light in our homes,” he said.