After 200 Years, Ogun Community Gets Electricity

Iexclusive News Nigeria reports that a community in Ijebu East, Ogun State, Olooji, has been powered for the first time after 200 years the community was created.

The Federal Government through its Rural Electrification Agency in a statement on Saturday said the residents of the community was supplied with a 100KWP solar-powered off-grid electricity system by the REA.

The solar hybrid system was built by the Federal Government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which is saddled with the responsibility of powering unserved and underserved communities.

REA Managing Director, Mr. Ahmad Salihijo, noted the goal of the government was to deploy the solutions to improve electricity access in communities to aid socio-economic development.

The statement read, “I am delighted that the people of Ijebu will henceforth enjoy clean, safe and reliable energy as deployed under the first set of grants through the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Fund.

“REF is an initiative of the Federal Government, implemented by the REA to promote off-grid electrification and ensure that electricity is equitably distributed across the country.

“Therefore, interventions such as these are being delivered across all zones.”

The REA boss explained that the first set of grants under the REF would see the deployment of over 19,000 Solar Home Systems.

He said, “To deliver on our mandate, interventions such as this are designed to deliver the energy needs of Nigerians and enhance the socio-economic status of beneficiary communities.

“This will ultimately boost productivity and provide jobs in the community. With the delivery of this solar hybrid mini-grid, we are positive that entrepreneurial skills and resourcefulness of the people of ljebu will be improved through the productive use of this infrastructure.”

The REA boss explained the first set of grants under the REF will see the deployment of over 19,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS).

“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari understands the nexus between reliable energy and development.

“We strongly believe that the quality of lives will be improved and children will have better learning experiences with access to reliable electricity. This project will enliven this community and expose it to greater investments in the nearest future,” he stated.