By Kazeem Ayodeji
Ekiti State government has reaffirmed its determination to fast-track social and economic development through stable power supply with the official inauguration of the 3.6-megawatt Independent power plant, IPP, in the state capital.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji who stated this at the Inauguration ceremony in Ado Ekiti said the initiative had reinforced the benefit of continuity in governance as the project was started by his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
He maintained that the project would reduce the poor power supply that has been affecting economic and industrial growth in the state, saying the move would attract investors and boost business activities.
Acknowledging the setbacks poor electricity has brought to the state, particularly in industrial growth, Governor Oyebanji explained that the project would supply power to critical government infrastructure such as offices, the state hospital, judiciary, legislature, the state university, and the public.
Revealing an influx of requests from business concerns wanting to connect to the IPP, the governor assured their connection to the power source but with payment of service fees.
According to Mr Oyebanji, government has put in place, a series of measures to address power challenges in the state with the recent restoration of light to some communities which have been in darkness for years.
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Mobolaji Aluko, noted that the 3.6MW project, Phase One, would be expanded to 5MW to power more facilities, emphasizing its cardinal role in the industrialization of the state.
Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Power Plant, Mr. Olufemi Bakare, explained the project’s potential to energize all state infrastructure and facilities in Ado-Ekiti metropolitan area through an 11km underground distribution network, which will energize key locations like the state secretariat, the state Teaching Hospital, and the Ekiti State University.
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group