FG boosts rural electrification in Ebonyi, inaugurates 100KWP solar hybrid
THE Federal Government, in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency ( REA), has inaugurated a 100KWP solar hybrid mini grid in Eka Awoke community in Ebonyi State.
Executed by Cloud Energy, an energy solutions provider, the project is targeted at addressing capacity shortages in Nigeria, especially in that area, which hitherto, was without electricity for a very long time.
In his remarks, Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, represented by the Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, described the Eka Awoke Solar mini- grid as a revolutionary infrastructure.
He thanked REA for providing another power plant in the state with an assurance that more would follow.
Umahi said he was proud of the competence displayed by Cloud Energy in the execution of the Eka Awoke 100KWP mini- grid project, while urging the youths to take advantage of expected steady electricity supply to boost economic development.
The Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, expressed delight that the Eka Awoke community would begin to experience economic growth and development powered by the 100KWP Solar hybrid mini- power plant.
In agreement, the Managing Director/ CEO, REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, also expressed delight at inaugurating his first mini- grid project since assuming office.
He said homes, businesses and the entire community will now have access to clean, safe and sustainable energy, which automatically enhances productivity and provides jobs in the community.
Ahmad urged citizens of Eka Awoke and their neighbours to take advantage of this dividend of democracy from the Federal Government to change the fortunes of the community, while building firm foundations for the future.
The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, Theophilus Nweke, appreciated the commitment and professionalism of the REA.
Nweke thanked the Agency for offering Cloud Energy the opportunity to contribute to nation building and be part of President Buhari’s transformation agenda.
He revealed that Cloud Energy upon choosing Eka Awoke for the project identified three focus needs, which are already being achieved – provision of electricity; provision of access to clean water; and establishing an Agro- commercial enterprise to create wealth out of the abundant agricultural resources in the community.
The traditional ruler of Eka Awoke community in Ikwo LGA, Eze D. O. Ogalegu, thanked the government, REA and Cloud Energy for giving his community access to electricity. He promised that the community would harvest the potential of the 100 KWP Solar mini- grid power plant through increased productivity.