Soji Ajibola, Author at Tribune Online

Oyo Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has disclosed his plan to launch 500MW Solar Power Project in Igbojaye community in Itesiwaju local government area before the end of his administration. This is as he commissioned Phase 1 of the 11MW Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, (IBHP) on Friday. Speaking at the commissioning of the project, Makinde said the proposed project aimed at creating a new era of his administration's planned sustainable energy project in the state. The hybrid power facility combines solar and gas energy, which will enhance the state's power supply, reduce energy costs, and promote environmental sustainability. The power project which is private sector driven based on Build own operate and transfer (BOOT) will supply the state government Secretariat including the state House of Assembly as well as the two Adeoyo State hospitals among others. Governor Makinde, who has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable development in Oyo, stated that the Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant marks a historic achievement in the state’s energy sector. He noted that the Phase 1 completion, of the power project would serve to deliver uninterrupted power to critical infrastructure which also includes 12 different healthcare facilities, a Sports Complex, Judicial Complexes, and some selected schools. He emphasized that the hybrid power system would not only boost power supply to industries and households but also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint by utilizing renewable sources of energy, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Stating the project would also enhance safety and visibility as well as boost energy reliability and sustainability in the state, Makinde stressed that the power project would serve as a model to follow in Nigeria. “As we commission this first phase of a project that I believe would serve as the fulcrum that is pivotal to the future development of our dear state. As every business person will tell you, there is a difference between growth and skill. To achieve growth, an organization will have resources and they try to limit their expenditure. So, this is what we have been doing in Oyo State for the past five and a half years. “This power plant is 100 per cent private investment because the government doesn’t have the money to do everything. But as government, we provided the enabling environment for investors to know that we are serious people. We have invested in road construction, interconnecting all the zones so that development spreads across the state. “We have focused on agribusiness so that investors come into our state through Private Public Development Partnership. We have invested in security so that see our dear state investment destination in Nigeria. “We have taken strategic steps to reduce our infrastructure deficit and the result has been the growth of our economy. Or GDP grew by about 90 per cent — from 2.75trn in 2019 to N4.05trn as of 2022. But as we speak to these investors, they always talk about one aspect of the economy that seems to be an absolute game changer, having reliable and interrupted power supply, it’s a big deal. “I know where we put to be as a nation in terms of capacity to generate and distribute but we are nowhere near that place. That’s why all over the place, we have generators. So, when had the groundbreaking ceremony here, it became clear to us to go from growth to a game changer for our economy to go to scale, a point where you are just using what you have to stretch the envelope. So, the groundbreaking was done on Saturday 11th of December, 2021. This was two years before the FG gave the go-ahead for state to have its own powers to generate, transmit, and distribute their power. “Now, as a state, we can look at our own power requirement and bridge the cap without looking towards anyone else. And this is exactly the trajectory we are on in Oyo State. “We took advantage of the changing times and working with House of Assembly in February this year. We signed the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Bill into law. So, it is in force now. We wasted almost a year trying to get approval from Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission for this power plant. But for the next power plant, it is now under our own control. It won’t take one month. I am saying to investors now that the coast is clear. “So, today, we are here to commission the first phase of the IPP. Again, I will thank our partner for believing in us. Because what you have done is to put in your money with the hope that you will recover it from our monthly payment. And I give you the assurance that we will not default. With the completion of this phase, Oyo State has gone from producing electricity at the mini-grid stage to 5MW electricity with 4MW gas and 1MW of solar. “You may be thinking that the 5MW is low but let us put this in perspective. Oyo State receives an average of 80MWatts from the national grid. The 5Mw is roughly 7 per cent. We may be going to 500MW but, today, we have taken a step. “I am in custody of a report. Done for the European Union, it is about visibility for solar deployment on the continent of Africa. So, it was not done for Oyo State nor Nigeria but for EU on a continent-wide research. And you know the good news? There is a place where you have a very high concentration of sun energy in Oyo State -Igbojaye in Itesiwaju local government area. We will deploy solar as we want to go as much as possible for renewable. “My ambition is to launch a 500MW solar project in that space so that in the years to come, not only Oyo State will be self-sufficient in generating its own power, but we will also be exporting power internationally. This is because we share a border with the Republic of Benin and we can easily sell power to industries there. We will launch that project before the end of my tenure. “This is an absolute game-changer. We signed an agreement with Shell and they have welded the first pipe and the $100m investment is well on its way. This is a direct investment that is not going through anybody. “Truly, there are better days ahead for Oyo State economy and all of us here are playing a part in making history. Like I said, we are not stopping here. Even if they want to stop us, we won’t stop because we are well on our way. So, we are seeking more investors in the Energy sector to the state and there is market for that. And this is a demonstration that you have a serious and responsible government in Oyo State that would continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.” Gov Makinde said. Others who spoke at the event also lauded the project, describing it as a significant step toward diversifying Oyo state's energy mix, which has traditionally been dependent on national grid while expressing optimism that the Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant could serve as a blueprint for other states to harness the potential of renewable energy in tackling power shortages and achieving energy security. The event had in attendance the deputy governor; Barrister Bayo Lawal, Speaker of Oyo state Assembly; Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, members of the state legislature and executive council, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders. 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