Delta: REA commissions 1.35MW solar hybrid power project in FUPRE
Rural Electricification Agency (REA), has inaugurated 1.35 Megawatt of Solar Hybrid Power project at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.
The Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege at the ceremony on Friday said that the power project was a fulfilment of the Federal Government’s commitment to increase electrification across the country.
Recall that the power project that had 1800 solar panel was executed by METKA West Africa.
The lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly said that the project under the Energising Education Progamme (EEP) had been conceived since 2016.
He said that the aim was to address developmental challenges in Nigeria through providing electricity and conducive learning environments for rapid socio-economic growth.
“Today’s milestone stands as beneficial to both the educational and power sectors.
“Which are key components of this administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan targeted at improving efficiency in both public and private sector.
“Increasing national productivity; achieving sustainable diversification of production to significantly grow the economy.
“And achieving maximum welfare for the citizens by ensuring food and energy security,” he said.
Omo-Agege assured that the National Assembly would continue to give the necessary legislative support needed by this administration to ensure laudable projects were executed.
He congratulated the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for the project implementation and urged the University to ensure good maintenance of the facilities.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba said that project was a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting the well-being of the citizens through provision of safe, clean, and reliable electricity.
“The commissioning today comes at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions.
“We will continue to expand on the Energizing Education Programme as an initative, towards fulfilling the promises and obligations made to the citizenry.
“The main objectives of the EEP is to provide, sustainable and clean power supply to 37 federal universities and Seven university teaching hospitals across Nigeria,” he said.
The Managing Director of REA, Mr Ahmad Ahmad said that the agency was mandated to electrify 2.5 million households across the rural areas of Nigeria by 2030.
“It is a privilege to be commissioning yet another Federal University project; a 1.35MW solar hybrid power project under Phase 1 of the Energizing Education Programme at FUPRE.
“The completion of this project is an addition to the many joys we have witnessed since the inception of this programme.
“This is the 5th project under the Energizing Education Programme to be commissioned,” he said.
In his remark, the Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh thanked the Federal Government for the initiative.
“I want to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for deploying this initiative through the Rural Electrification Agency, geared towards transforming the education sector.
“I am glad that FUPRE is one of the pioneer beneficiaries of such initiatives. Today’s programme marks a milestone in the history of the University,” he said
Also the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Sideso, represented by Dr Samuel Jimoh thanked the Federal Government and expressed joy that the project would improve on the well-being of the indigenes and the students.
Recall that Ugbomro, the host community to FUPRE is in Uvwie Local Government.
“It is a privilege to be the host of this laudable project. With this project, our Indigenes will enjoy clean and renewable energy.
“The project will impact positively on our academics as students can now read with electricity,” he said.
In attendance were: Mr Francis Waive, representing the Chairman, House Committee on Power, Magaji Aliyu, Mr Efe Afe, member representing Okpe and Sapele Federal Constituency, representatives of the Ovie of Uvwie, some traditional rulers, management of FUPRE among others.
