Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, Thursday, commissioned 100KWP Solar Hybrid mini grid power project in Uhuafor Nomeh,Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, assuring universal access to electricity to all citizens of the State.
Speaking during the inauguration of the power project which was deployed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), through the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Fund, Governor Mbah ,who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Sir Joe Aneke, said the project will not only supply power to Uhuafor Nomeh and neighboring environ, it also symbolizes hope, progress, and empowerment for the rural communities across Enugu State.
Pix : SPA on Power,Sir Aneke, representative of Gov Mbah
“We owe our heartfelt gratitude to the Rural Electrification Agency for their unwavering commitment to bridging the energy gap in Nigeria, particularly in unserved and underserved communities.
“This project reflects our shared vision: to ensure that every community in Enugu State, regardless of its location, has access to clean, reliable, and affordable power. The fact that the good people of Nomeh have embraced and supported this electrification solution is testament to the drive by my administration to ensure universal access to electricity to all citizens of the State.
Pix: The solar power mini grid
“Access to electricity is not merely about lighting homes; it is a catalyst for social and economic growth. With this solar mini-grid power project, artisans will have more time and resources to grow their businesses, and children will be able to study and learn in the evenings and we hope our farmers can look forward to better irrigation options.
” It gives us the capacity to create small-scale industries, enhancing the income and standard of living for all families in Nomeh and its environs. As more households are connected to the system, the capacity could be up-scaled to ensure that the projects sustains the supply to the growing population of energy off-takers who are metered and are paying their bills.
He assured provision of sustainable development for all communities using similar electrification solutions.
“This project aligns with our agenda to foster innovation, improve rural infrastructure, and create a green, you energy-sufficient Enugu. We envision a future where every household, regardless of its location, enjoys the same amenities as those in our urban centers,” he said.
Governor Mbah noted that “with the passage of the Enugu State Electricity Law and establishment of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) and the Enugu State Electrification Agency (ESEA), his administration was set to support private sector developers, deploy similar solutions across unserved and underserved communities.
“We expect the operators of this project to engage with the EERC to ensure it operates within the laws and regulations of the State, he said
Pix: Stakeholders
Urging the community to protect the facility, Governor Mbah said, “this facility must be protected to ensure it serves the community reliably and sustainably while the network system is extended to connect other households and villages in Nomeh.
“Our administration is available to work with the Rural Electrification Agency to developing other projects proposed for the State and look forward to engaging with the Agency in this regard”, Governor Mbah stated .
He thanked the Rural Electrification Agency for their collaboration, the people of Nomeh for their patience
“Together, we are lighting the path to a brighter and more prosperous future for all. Thank you, and may this project bring lasting benefits to Nomeh and beyond,” he prayed.
Pix: Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Hon. Engr. Doris Uboh.
In her address, the Acting Managing Director/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency, represented the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Hon. Engr. Doris Uboh, said the project kick started a new story of transformation and socio-economic development in Nomeh community .
“Enugu State is one of the fastest growing States in Nigeria, a business hub that continues to grow even stronger under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah.
‘In line with the Federal Government’s transformative efforts on improved rural electrification in line with His Excellency, Mr. President’s Renewed Hope agenda, the REA continues to strengthen collaborative engagements with State Governments, while delivery energy access solutions across communities nationwide,” she said.
She said the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Fund (REF), is a mechanism designed by the Federal Government of Nigeria to promote off-grid electrification and ensure that electricity is equitably distributed across Nigeria.
According to her, the REF has aided the deployment of over 50 solar mini-grids nationwide, providing clean energy access to hundreds or thousands of Nigerians. She said,” sustainable, renewable energy is a leveller and a catalyst for growth and the Federal Government, through the REA, is committed to doing more.
“The commissioning today comes at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions.
“The REA is poised to deliver its mandate on serving the unserved and underserved Nigerians with clean, safe and reliable energy and we are doing so at an accelerated pace because for true development to happen, no one must be left behind. .
“This technology was designed to have a transformative impact on the lives of the over 3, 000 residents of this great community. She urged the community to protect the facility and utilize it productively to drive this community forward.
She thanked Governor Mbah and the project developer, Ochuvus Nigeria Limited, members of the Community for their support .
In his speech, the traditional ruler of Nomeh Unateze community, Igwe Col. I.O. C Mba(Rtd.) said the installation of the Solar hybrid in Nomeh will boost economic activities in the community.
“You must have heard that the people of Uhuafor Nomeh are very industrious. OnWith this electricity, our women will be able to carry out their day to day activities better and our men will be able to innovate and transform the community for the better. Our children will now be able to read at write using electricity instead of generator with harmful smoke, candles or kerosene lamps,” Igwe Mba said.
Pix: Igwe’s spokesperson
He assured the protection of the project ,saying, “We are committed to protecting and utilizing this facility for the good of our people and for the good of Nigeria.
“It is our mini grid and we will protect it as our own,” he said.
While thanking the federal Government, Governor Peter Mbah, Rural Electrification Agency and his community for their support, the Royal Father appealed to the Federal Government to install more solar so that the whole community will benefit from that.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Rural Electrification Users Corporative Society Bye -Law to the leaders of the four benefiting communities, namely, Amakobi, Imama, Uhuoji and Uhuafor.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama