Kwara State government is to deploy solar energy systems to villages, small scale businesses and key government establishments to boost electricity supply and enhance economy activities in the state.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who disclosed this when he received National President, Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, Otunba Dele Akintola, at Government House, Ilorin, weekend, said the move would provide alternative source of energy supply to critical sectors, instead of waiting endlessly for energy supply through the current hydro-thermal energy source.
He said: “Those to benefit from the proposed solar energy systems include water corporation, hospitals, villages, small businesses and isolated critical government areas.
“Energy is the most important ingredient and determinant of economic growth and development of any country in the world.”
The governor also pointed out that Nigeria was lagging behind in its energy supply needed for industrialization, adding that explained the reason was taking the giant stride.
Ahmed noted that already, the first phase of Light up Kwara was ongoing, with streets light across major roads within Ilorin metropolis.
He promised to extend the solar powered streets light to other towns in the second phase of the project.
Speaking earlier, National President, Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, Otunba Dele Akintola, said he was at Government House to acquit the governor with the readiness of some investors to build solar power stations in the state.
He appealed to Governor Ahmed to consider the proposal and provide 250 hectares of land for the project, saying the project would create employment opportunities for teeming youths and boost the state’s economy.
Akintola added that the United Nations was supportive of states or countries investing in the reduction of environmental pollution and appealed to the governor to buy into the proposal.
Source: vanguardngr.com
