3 months ago
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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, disclosed plans by his administration to embark on power generation for the state using available river and solar assets.
Adeleke, who spoke in Ilesa, Osun State during the flag 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 neighboring 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 3 other local government areas suffered untold hardship, blackout, and economic loss.
He further disclosed that the state has a draft electricity bill and policy that would expand power generation and distribution.
He directed the Ministry of Energy to develop an implementation plan with timelines and deliverables, insisting that the stakeholders must be fully involved in the process for sustainable outcomes.
“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 that 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.
“We are acting fast on the energy space because the power supply is an engine room of economic growth. Regular power supply boosts economic activities. Our vision is that Osun state will be self-sufficient in power supply and also export to neighboring 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.
Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Festus Adeyemo, said the project would serve communities in four local government areas of Obokun, Ilesa West, Atakumosa West, and Boluwaduro.
