The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, disclosed plans by his administration to embark on electricity generation for the state, using available river and solar assets.
Adeleke, who spoke in Ilesa during the flag-off of the construction of the 33KV feeder line, said his vision was for Osun to be self-sufficient in power supply and also export to neighbouring states.
The governor recalled that the project was abandoned for over 11 years, adding that during the period it was in limbo, residents of Obokun and three other local government areas suffered hardship, blackout and economic loss.
He further said the state had a draft electricity bill and policy which would expand power generation and distribution and directed the Ministry of Energy to develop an implementation plan with timelines and deliverables.
“We have a robust plan to transform the state energy and electricity market through appropriate policy and legislation.
“I am, therefore, elated to repeat that Osun has a draft electricity bill and policy which will expand power generation and distribution.
“The policy and the bill, when finally passed into law, will change the face of Osun electricity space.
“Being so blessed with many rivers and solar assets, we will generate our electricity. We will issue licenses for those capable of generating electricity.
“We will regulate our power distributor, the Ibadan DisCo. We will manage the relationship between power generators and purchasers. The new plan will create a regulatory agency for the state power sector,” he said.
He described power supply as an engine room of economic growth, adding that regular power supply would boost economic activities.
“Our vision is that Osun State will be self-sufficient in power supply and also export to neighbouring states.
“Today, I congratulate the good people of Obokun Local Government and all the communities that will benefit from the new 33KV feeder Line,
“Specifically, let me reach out to the people of Omi Aladiye, Akad, settlements along Ilesa – Osogbo road, Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government as well as Kajola and Osunjela in Atakumosa West Local Government. Imole has come to your doorstep,” Adeleke said.
The Commissioner for Energy, Mr Festus Adeyemo, said the project would serve communities in four LGs of Obokun, Ilesa West, Atakumosa West and Boluwaduro.
Credit: Punch
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