Requesting immediate action, civil society organization The Osun Masterminds (TOM) has appealed to the Osun State Government to temporarily close schools in the state to alleviate the hardships caused by the ongoing fuel scarcity situation.
In their April State of the State address in Osogbo, Executive Director Prof Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli of TOM presented several recommendations, including the temporary closure of schools to ease the suffering faced by students and parents.
The group highlighted the urgent need for the Federal Government to address the challenges related to inconsistent power supply and fuel shortages, emphasizing the significant difficulties being endured by Nigerians.
Expressing concern over the current plight, TOM stated, “The current fuel scarcity has subjected Nigerians to extreme hardships, disrupting daily routines like commuting to schools and workplaces. It is imperative for schools to be shut down for a brief period to alleviate the burden on children and parents during this crisis.”
Additionally, TOM urged for immediate action by the Federal Government to resolve the power supply and fuel scarcity issues, stressing the importance of eliminating the undue hardship faced by the populace.
Citing the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the group criticized the classification of users into different categories, labeling it as nonsensical and called for his removal from office if necessary to address the current challenges effectively.
Emphasizing the need for equitable access to electricity for all Nigerians, regardless of social status, TOM highlighted the importance of consistent power supply for national development and prosperity.
Furthermore, the group condemned the government’s lack of decisive action and transparency regarding the worsening situation in the power and petroleum sectors, accusing them of irresponsibility.
Challenging the Osun State government to follow the example of states like Ekiti in implementing alternative power solutions, TOM called for proactive measures to address the energy crisis and urged the Ministry of Energy to take necessary actions.