A newly opened phone charging centre in Emure, Ekiti State, has sparked a wave of reactions after a top government official commissioned it to address ongoing electricity challenges in the area.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency, Bayo Ajayi, launched the project as a temporary solution for residents who have struggled to charge their devices due to prolonged power outages.In a video circulating online, Ajayi said, “Emure has been without electricity for some time now. This charging point is to provide temporary relief while the state government works on restoring power.”
The launch, which took place under the banner of the BAO Agenda Emure Chapter, drew a crowd of residents who participated in traditional games like Ayo Olopon and Draft.The official also announced that the service would be free of charge.
But the gesture has divided opinions.Supporters praised the initiative for addressing an immediate need. One user on X (formerly Twitter), @emanuelpeters16, said, “People with zero capacity to help others are always the loudest critics. The smallest gesture can make a big difference.”
Another, @DAjimarley, defended the move, pointing out that even governors have commissioned bus stops. “Why criticise this? It’s not even a governor but a board member. Let’s appreciate efforts, no matter how small.”
Others, however, found the development underwhelming.Critics questioned why such a basic facility would be treated as a milestone. @Vin_Rouge_King wrote, “Is this truly Ekiti? The same state that prides itself on being the most educated in the South-West? This is embarrassing.”
Some described it as a political stunt rather than a genuine solution. @XFrontLines said, “This is a campaign office, not a project. What’s the achievement here?”On Facebook, sarcastic comments also poured in. Oluwafemi Samuel Ajape wrote, “Before you know it, international communities will come to Emure to charge their phones. Investors will troop in.”
