**Breaking BEDC's Grip: Edo Gov Vows to End Power Monopoly** In Edo State, a major power struggle is brewing. The state's governor, Godwin Obaseki, has vowed to break the stranglehold of the Benin Electricity Distribution (BEDC) on the state's power supply. This move is set to revolutionize the way electricity is distributed in the state, putting an end to the monopoly that has plagued residents for far too long. For years, Edo residents have been at the receiving end of BEDC's inefficiencies, over-billing, and lack of power supply. The people have had enough, and a group, Organised Edo Against BEDC Oppressions, has been leading a protest against the company's practices. Governor Obaseki has thrown his weight behind the protesters, promising to bring about change. The governor's plan is to open up the power distribution business to more players, just like the telecommunications sector. This, he believes, will lead to increased efficiency and better service delivery. "We want to bring in multiple stakeholders and investors to compete with BEDC," he explained. "When we do this, the competition will drive them to improve their services, and we'll all benefit from it." To achieve this, Governor Obaseki has invited stakeholders to a meeting at the Government House, where they'll discuss ways to bring in more investors and improve the power supply. He's also called on protesters to send delegates to the meeting, where their concerns will be addressed. The move is seen as a major boost to Edo residents, who have been bearing the brunt of BEDC's inefficiencies. As Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, President of Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NOCSON), put it, "We're not asking for the moon; we just want to pay for light, not darkness." With Governor Obaseki's plan, it seems that Edo residents may finally get the power supply they deserve.