By Onu Okorie
The Olu of Itori Land, His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, has disclosed that Baales across the 127 communities under his kingdom have continued to ensure that no individual tampers with transmission infrastructure within their domains.
He stated this during the Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN, Lagos Region sensitization programme in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State in efforts to curb vandalism of power infrastructure.
He also commended TCN for sustaining the sensitization campaign and appealed for the programme to be held regularly.
“This awareness programme is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The last edition was held here in Itori about four years ago, and we appreciate TCN for returning to engage our people again. We appeal that it should be organised at least once every year,” the Monarch said.
The programme brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and residents to educate members of the public on the dangers of vandalising transmission towers, building under transmission line Right of Way RoW, and excavating around TCN towers.
Speaking during the programme, the General Manager Transmission, Lagos Region, Engr. Adeshina Adeonipekun, disclosed that TCN recorded no fewer than 276 cases of tower vandalism between 2022 and 2025.
According to him, the figure has reduced significantly this year due to improved collaboration with host communities and the proactive efforts of TCN staff.
“This year, with the support of communities and the proactiveness of our staff, we have been able to reduce vandalism cases to about 40,” he said.
Adeonipekun stated that TCN has continued to strengthen measures aimed at tackling vandalism, noting that the sensitization programme remains one of TCN’s key strategies for engaging host communities and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
He added that cases of vandalism within the South-West region have remained relatively minimal, while commending the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and security agencies for their support in apprehending culprits involved in vandalism.
Also speaking, Principal Manager Lines, Engr. Kuye Emmanuel, said that the company has reinforced surveillance around transmission lines through community-based security arrangements.
“Apart from this awareness programme, we engage private vigilantes across communities and zones, who are paid monthly to help safeguard our transmission lines,” he stated.
He further explained that TCN also provides incentives to farmers and residents within host communities as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activities around transmission facilities.