Osun State Governor,Senator Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s energy sector, just as he described the ongoing plans to generate electricity for the state’s use as very dear to his government.
The governor re-affirmed this during the flag-off ceremony for the Obokun 33KV Feeder Line, which runs from Osunjela to the Ilesa-West Local Government Secretariat.
Governor Adeleke highlighted that Osun State now has a draft electricity bill and policy designed to expand power generation and distribution. The frameworks, once enacted into law, according to him,are expected to revolutionize the state’s energy landscape.
“Osun is blessed with many rivers and solar assets, we will generate our electricity, and issue licenses for those capable of generating electricity and regulate our power distributor, the Ibadan Disco. This new plan will also create a regulatory agency for the state power sector.” said Adeleke
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Energy, Festus Adeyemo, recalled that the feeder line project was initially awarded on January 25, 2013, with 30% funding released to the contractor. However, the project was abandoned due to lack of funding and interest by successive administrations, despite the dangers posed to the communities along the distribution network.
“Eleven years later, after persistent appeals from the affected communities reached the Governor through a letter written by the Honourable member representing Obokun State Constituency, our governor, who detests abandoned projects, approved the immediate completion of the project,” Adeyemo stated.
The Commissioner added that the completion of the Obokun 33KV Feeder Line is critical for the people of Obokun and the three other local governments it will serve. The project, once completed, will supply electricity to parts of Ilesa West (Omi Aladiye), neighboring communities along the Ilesa-Osogbo road, 95% of towns in Obokun Local Government, Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government, as well as Kajola and Osunjela in Atakumosa West Local Government.
The Special Adviser on Energy,Hon Hauwa Ahmed , expressed her appreciation to Governor Adeleke for his unwavering support and dedication to improving the state’s energy sector.
