FG Commissions 60kWP Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid In Ikom

By Ushang Ewa

The Federal Government on Friday commissioned the second 60kWP solar hybrid mini-grid in Cross River State in a month.

The first was commissioned at the bottom hill of the Obudu mountain resort in Obanliku Local Government Area of northern Cross River State.

And, the Minister for State, in charge of power, Prince Goddy Jedy-Agba while commissioning the second at Okangha Mkpansi in Ikom Local Government Area said the federal government will always strive to give Nigerians the best energy installations that are environmentally friendly.

“When we bring light we eschew darkness and invariably bring development, because with this installation a lot of small-scale businesses will spring up and strive too, a lot of entrepreneurs would be empowered to do their small saloon business, with ease,” Agba said, adding that students in the area will now be able to read strain free which will, “in no small way bring growth to this community and Ikom at large, I am happy with the steps made so far to protect the Installation as it will go a long way to encourage government to do more.”

Explaining the choice of renewable energy, the minister averred that it was the fastest means to bridge the gap in the energy needs of the country and had positive impact on the socio-economic status of the benefitting communities.

The project was implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency which is under Mr. Agba’s supervision. And, the Managing Director of the agency, Ahmad Salijo on his part disclosed that the solar hybrid mini-grid was one of many across the federation which aims at improving energy access, a mandate of the REA.

“This 60KWP solar hybrid mini-grid and many other projects across the nation is a testament to the electrification efforts of the Federal government and it is a continuous process that has shown great promises,” Salijo, represented by the REA’s Executive Director in charge of Technical Services, Engr. Bakar Sajou said.

He added that: “We plan to do all it takes to ensure that Nigeria’s massive renewable energy resources are efficiently utilized and evenly deployed across the nation.”

Residents of the community represented by Elder Egan Anohobi commended the project and pledged the community’s readiness to guard the installation.

Egan who disclosed that the community has been without light since 2016, averred that: “The provision of infrastructure like electricity to rural communities is a great boost to economic and social development, we sincerely thank President Buhari, Jedy-Agba, and REA for implementing the project in our community and making many dreams come true.”