Ogun govt to embark on hybrid solar power projects
By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun State government, says it is embarking on hybrid solar power projects to attract investors to rural communities that lacks electricity.
Commissioner for Rural Development, Engr. Oludotun Taiwo stated this while distributing solar energy kits at Iwogia village, Ilaro, in Yewa South Local Government Area of the State.
Oludotun who was represented by the Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Adekunle Oyesanwen, said that the decision was part of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration to create a business friendly environment for investors to come to the state.
The Commissioner said that the government was ready to establish the hybrid solar power at local communities in the state that have no electricity supply but had begun to experience development to attract investors so as to turn around the fortune of the state.
He said, “There are various ways we have the electricity infrastructure in the rural development that is far from the grid and because of the needs assessment this is the level we can empower them to, but as things go by and we have more of economic development around we can bring in hybrid solar power which investors will come around.”
Oludotun, while speaking on the benefit of the solar power kits to the villagers said that it would be useful for them in processing cassava and selling their goods at night as other part of the device would also be used to read at night, charge their mobile phones, listen to radio and music and as well as serve as torch for hunters at night.
“But the main thing that this one will do is that it will extend their time of reading, working, when they bring their cassava. It is an agric based community and they can process their food or farm produce in the night without using carbon emission energy appliances,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Director in the Ministry of Rural Development, Engr. Ismail Balogun, who is in charge of Rural Electrification urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the solar energy kits and handle with care in order to serve them for longer period.
He also charged them to make sure that they protect the facility from vandalisation as this will always encourage government to do more for the community.
The Baale of the community, Chief Dele Johnson, thanked the state government for bringing another development to their village.
Mr Julus Akindele, and Dauda Ogundeji while speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries also commended the governor for allowing them to benefit from the laudable dividends of democracy assuring that they would surely take good care of the solar power facilities and ensure that they serve the purpose for which they are meant.
