Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has said that the Independent Power Project (IPP) embarked upon by his administration, will not only power the Government House but will power other critical state assets.
This the government said include schools, hospitals, streetlights and the stadium.
A statement issued in Ibadan, on Sunday, said the governor made the disclosure at the special thanksgiving service, held at First Baptist Church, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo state.
Recall that Makinde, on Dec. 12, in Ibadan, performed the groundbreaking for the construction of 11 megawatts Hybrid Power Solution in a bid to address the unstable power supply in the state.
The governor said the project would be executed by Elektron Energy within six to eight months at the cost of N8.27 billion.
Some people, however, had criticised the rationale behind the 11 megawatts project, alleging that the project will only power the government house.
Addressing the congregation, Makinde challenged the critics to do more research about the IPP, saying the IPP will not serve only the Government House.
“It will also serve all the street lights within 10-km radius, hospitals, schools, judiciary complex and the stadium will be powered.”
The governor who asked critics to evaluate his performance based on his electoral promises, said “they should evaluate us based on what we said we would do and see whether we are doing them or not.”
He added that his administration would continue to leverage on the four comparative advantages of the state, which include agribusiness, tourism, solid minerals and commerce.
The governor also appreciated religious leaders and the people for their consistent prayers, adding that without the prayers, “we won’t be where we are today.”
Earlier in his sermon, the President of Oke Ogun Baptist Convention, Rev. Gabriel Olanrewaju, stressed that the nation needs trustworthy leaders with the fear of God to survive its challenges.
Olanrewaju prayed that God should give wisdom and knowledge to the governor for him to lead the state right.