FG, World Bank to light up more rural communities in Ogun
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
More rural communities across 20 local government areas of Ogun State have been selected to benefit from the Community Engagement on Nigeria Electrification Project, using renewable energy sources, an initiative of the Federal Government Rural Electrification Agency and the World Bank.
It would be recalled that similar project had been executed at Gbamugbamu and Oluoji communities, in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of the State.
Mrs Joke Odumosu who led delegation of Rural Electrification Agency, Abuja disclosed this recently in a meeting held with the State Energy Working Group.
Mrs. Odumosu pointed out that the objective of the project was to provide electricity to unserved and underserved communities across the country, charging members of the State Energy working group to sensitise the communities to create an enabling environment for the private investor, which would turn to wealth for the people living in rural areas.
She charged all members of the group to assist the Ministry of Rural Development to identify the communities that are viable for the project.
Speaking, the State Commissioner for Rural Development, Engr. Oludotun Taiwo, said the present administration is ready to key into the programme for the benefit of the rural dwellers.
Oludotun stated that the survey carried out showed that electricity was essential in the rural areas, adding that a solar power mini grid would go a long way to solve the problem of underserved areas.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the State Government on Energy, Engr. Wale Adubifa commended the leader of the team for picking Ogun as one of the pilot States for the project, assuring that government would do all within its power to ensure people of the success of the project
In her contribution, the Special Adviser on Rural Development, Princess Adepeju Shote, solicited the cooperation of relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) for the smooth implementation of the project.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, ESV Olalekan Lukan and representatives of various MDAs.
