The Chief Executive Officer of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Jonathan Lawani, has said the company’s Children’s Day celebration was organised as part of efforts to give back to communities within its franchise areas through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
- +BEDC rewards students with N2.25m at children’s day essay competition
Lawani, who was represented by the Company Secretary, Barr.
Lawani, who was represented by the Company Secretary, Barr. Esanye Major, stated this on Wednesday during the BEDC Children’s Day party held at the company’s headquarters in Benin City.
According to him, the initiative was designed to help students understand the role of electricity distribution companies in nation building, while also exposing them to the fundamentals of power distribution and safety measures.
He disclosed that the company invited 10 secondary schools to participate in an essay competition themed, “The Role of Distribution Companies in Nation Building.”
“We sent invitations to 10 schools and requested that each school submit 10 essays. A lecturer from the University of Benin handled the marking and scoring process, after which winners emerged for the first, second and third positions,” he said.
At the event, BEDC presented cash prizes to outstanding participants, with Akhimen Melody emerging overall winner and receiving N1 million. Shaka Momodu Jeffery won the second prize of N750,000, while Elizabeth Osa-Edohen secured third place with a cash reward of N500,000.
Lawani noted that the company also recognised exceptional entries from other participating schools as part of efforts to appreciate all students who took part in the competition.
He said the gesture reflects BEDC’s commitment to strengthening relationships with communities within its operational areas, while promoting awareness about electricity distribution among young people.
“Our aim is to provide constant electricity supply to the people. We want the children to understand how power gets to their homes and appreciate the processes involved,” he stated.
As part of activities marking the celebration, the students were taken on a guided tour of a BEDC substation and operational control room, where they were introduced to the various components of electricity installations and educated on power distribution processes, inputs and outputs, as well as safety procedures.
Earlier, the company’s Head of Branding and Corporate Communications, Evelyn Gbiwen, said BEDC’s responsibility goes beyond powering homes and businesses.
According to her, the company is equally committed to powering hope, opportunity and happiness in the communities it serves.
