Power shortage: Fayemi inaugurates 5-megawatt power project in Ekiti

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, has inaugurated a 5-Megawatt Independent Power Project (IPP) in Ekiti, as a way of addressing the shortage of electricity supply to Institutions and private sector in the state.

Fayemi, at the inauguration, said the project is one in the series of interventions by his adminitration to address the inherent challenges in the State’s electricity supply.

He said that the power project, when completed, would supply power to the Governor’s Office, Government House, State Secretariat Complex, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, (EKSUTH) and streetlights along major roads in the metropolis.

Fayemi announced that private concerns would also benefit from the project on willing buyer, willing seller basis.

“When this project is completed, I have no doubt that the quantum of electricity from the National grid being consumed by these users will be made available for the general public in the State.

“Equally, whatever is left unutilised will be available for private sector players who want to patronise the IPP on a willing seller, willing buyer programme.

“This project is to further reawaken the hope of Ekiti-Kete that we are committed to improving the standard of living and welfare of the people,” he said.

Fayemi said other strides made by his administration to boost power supply included collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to establish additional two power transmission stations installed at Ilupeju and Ijesa-Isu Ekiti.

He said the installation of 7.5MVA injection sub-station at Ido Ekiti had been inaugurated as well as the installation of solar home system in unserved and under-served communities by the Rural Electrification Agency, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, had been proposed.

Fayemi explained that the efforts in the power sector are pointers to his administration’s commitment to attract more investors, boost infrastructural and economic developments of the State.

“Let me, therefore, use this occasion to call on the Contractor, Messrs Fenchurch Power, to work round the clock to deliver the project under the agreed terms and conditions, without compromising standards,” the governor said.

Earlier, the representative of the company handling the project, Mr Femi Bakare, explained that a lot of work had been done to ensure the speedy delivery of the project within the stipulated period.

It was reported that Governor Fayemi also inaugurated other projects, including the construction of 19-km Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki dual carriage road, bus terminal and remodelling of Ado Central Business District, and a model secondary school as part of the activities marking the 25 years of the creation of the state.