In it’s continued efforts towards tackling the epileptic power supply in the state, the Ogun State Government has entered into an agreement with eight Independent Power Providers (IPPs) to generate and distribute power to residents.
The project, tagged “Light-Up Ogun”, is to generate a total of 276 mega watts of electricity from gas, solar, waste to energy and joule box technology at the cost of $476,616,249.65. The project is expected to be ready in 18 months.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), at his office in Abeokuta yesterday, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, said it is another bold step by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration to further address the huge infrastructural deficit it inherited on assumption of office.
The SSG, who challenged the partners to take the project with all the seriousness it deserves, expressed optimism that, when completed, it will positively improve the lives and well being of residents of the state.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olumide Ayeni, disclosed that government had allocated 16 hectares of land for the IPPs, as part of its commitment towards the success of the project, which he stated, will “make life more abundant” for the people of the state.
Speaking earlier, Consultant to the Governor on Energy, Chief Taiwo Fagbemi, hinted that the project, which was conceived in 2014, is being executed with the cooperation and assistance of various stakeholders, including the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, adding that it will, apart from generating electricity, also provide employment for the teeming youth population in the state.
In his own contribution, Deputy Managing Director of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Engr. John Ayodele, commended the initiative, which he noted, would complement the efforts of his company, in ending the perennial epileptic power supply in the country.
He promised that his company would give all necessary assistant required for the project.