NAIJA GOOD, Series 2: UP NEPA!!

UP NEPA!!!!!!!!

Happy Independence Day.

There’s probably been no light for what? 3 hours? 3 days? 3 weeks, 3 months, or even longer. The people have probably found alternatives(lanterns, generators, power banks, sitting outside because of the heat), even though there are enormous discomforts, the never-ending grumbles and struggles due to the absence of power supply.

All of a sudden, power comes on; have you ever seen the most chaotic helter-skelter? The most dramatic form of rejoicing. The most disturbing and loudest commotion in unison.

You’ll probably not see it anywhere else in the world. Come to Nigeria…

And, the crowd goes “Up NEPA!!!!!!!!”

Then speeds off inside to quickly charge their phones, power banks or iron clothes. Some quickly rush to switch on the pumping machine to pump water, while others will rush to the kitchen to start cooking with their electric stoves or turn the TV on.

What is “UP NEPA”?

The phrase “Up NEPA” is the Nigerian way of announcing that there is power supply. NEPA actually means National Electric Power Authority, which was a Nigerian state owned monopoly whose primary function was to develop and manage electricity in Nigeria, established in 1972.

However, the power reform process was renamed Power Holding Company of Nigeria(PHCN) in 2005. In accordance with the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act 2005 whose privatization was established in 2013.

What to note is that the organization, office or agency for power supply in Nigeria is no longer NEPA again, it’s now PHCN. But, guess what? The people have refused to ditch the former name. I’ll tell you why.

NEPA for the people also means ‘Never Expect Power Always’. This is an euphemism that describes exactly how the Power Holding Company Of Nigeria behaves.

Furthermore, it’s very easy to say “Up NEPA” than to say “Up PHCN” when power is supplied.

Yes although, the lack of a steady power supply in any country shows that the country is underdeveloped because a power outage can slow down a lot of things down, including industrialization and transportation. But, there is actually no harm in celebrating light.

Many may think it is local, a primitive habit or even annoying because it’s just power supply; what’s so surprising about it? But there is really nothing bad in jubilating whenever light comes. I think it can’t even be helped because it is accompanied with a leap in one’s heart, many have power supply for so long and they even complain.

There is a common saying that too much of everything is bad, and let’s face it, there can’t ever be total darkness when the world has us. As Nigerians, when we see each other come out and burst a move, we hail and celebrate. That is light! It will be so rude to be indifferent or not acknowledge whenever there is an illumination from someone, or somewhere.

This should also be applied to the presence of power supply, everywhere in the world. There are humans trying their best behind every power supply, they are worth applauding. So is every progress that has been made so far in our dear nation Nigeria. I’ll quickly add that the most authentic bonds are or were made when there was nothing like electricity or digital devices. You know your neighbors, the kids communicates physically and there was tales by the moonlight from the eldest to the youngest.

We should remember the good times, count our blessings and cheer loudly whenever a shimmer of power is supplied. Let’s celebrate progress and, continue to live in appreciation.

So, up NEPA guys! Up Nigeria!!!Cheers to 64yrs.