Araromi-Okeodo, a community in Ife-South Local Government Area of Osun State, has finally been connected to electricity after 91 years. This is thanks to a solar power plant that was inaugurated at the weekend.
The off-grid power plant, which was funded by Sholep energy Limited in conjunction with the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of the Federal Government, will supply over 700 houses with 24-hour uninterrupted power.
The inauguration of the power plant was met with wild jubilation from residents of the community. The Monarch of the town, Oba Abbas Akanbi, the Alara of Araromi-Okeodo, led his chiefs and subjects to the site of the plant to celebrate the milestone.
Oba Akanbi said that he never believed that his community would have electricity in his lifetime. “We have heard several stories about power supply to the community which never materialized, and even when we were told of this solar power plant, we thought it was another fake promise,” he said. “But today, I am the most fulfilled person in the world.”
Engr Olalekan Adeleke, the Managing Director of Sholep energy Limited, said that the multi-million naira project will also provide a durable water supply to the community free of charge.
“This is a historic day for Araromi-Okeodo,” Adeleke said. “We are proud to have partnered with the World Bank and the REA to bring electricity to this community for the first time in 91 years.”
The inauguration of the solar power plant in Araromi-Okeodo is a welcome development. It is a shining example of how solar power can be used to provide clean and reliable energy to even the most remote communities.
The project is also a testament to the commitment of the World Bank and the REA to improving access to electricity in Nigeria. It is hoped that this project will serve as a model for other communities that are still without electricity.
