• Flags off construction of 33kv feeder 4 LGAs

Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

ILESA – Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that plans are ongoing to ensure that the state generates electricity for its use.

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of the Obokun 33kv Feeder Line from Osunjela to Ilesa at the Ilesa-West Local Government Secretariat in Ilesa, he disclosed that the State has a draft electricity bill and policy which would expand power generation and distribution.

He expressed delight that the feeder line project which had been abandoned for eleven years has been constructed and relocated to ease the challenges being experienced by the four local government areas that it is expected to serve.

His words, “As a government committed to the welfare of the people, it is our focus to bring economic light to the people of Osun state. We have a robust plan to transform the state energy and electricity market through appropriate policy and legislation. I am therefore elated to repeat that Osun has a draft electricity bill and policy which will expand power generation and distribution.

“The policy and the bill when finally passed into law will change the face of Osun electricity space. Being so blessed with many rivers and solar assets, we will generate our electricity. We will issue licenses for those capable of generating electricity. We will regulate our power distributor, the Ibadan Disco. We will manage the relationship between power generators and purchasers. The new plan will create a regulatory agency for the state power sector.

“We are acting fast on the energy space because the power supply is an engine room of economic growth. Regular power supply boosts economic activities. Our vision is that Osun state will be self-sufficient in power supply and also export to neighbouring states.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner for Energy in the state, Festus Adeyemo stated that the feeder line project was first awarded on 25th January 2013 with 30% funding released to the contractor but “it was later abandoned due to non-funding and lack of interest by successive administrations despite the danger it posed to the lives and properties of the dwellers along the route of the Distribution Network.

“Eleven years later when the yearning of the four communities affected, got to Mr. Governor through a letter written to the Ministry of Energy by the Honourable member representing Obokun State Constituency and as a Governor who detests abandoned projects, our dear Governor approved the completion of the project without any further delay.

“The project is very significant for the people of Obokun and other three local governments. The Obokun 33KV Feeder Line, when completed, will be supplying electricity to four Local Governments namely; part of Ilesa West (Omi Aladiye, Akad) and other neighbouring Communities along 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,” he added.