Skillicorn, Ogun LG partner to transform Ogun community

A landmark partnership between Odogbolu Local Government in Ogun, Nigeria, and Skillicorn Nigeria Limited is set to transform the lives of thousands of people in the community through a $250 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the New Circular Economy (NCE) project.

The project, rooted in a 100 per cent agriculture-based economy, aims to deliver lasting infrastructure, employment, and food security to host communities.

According to Captain Sunday Adegbuyi, Managing Director of Skillicorn Nigeria Limited, the NCE project is designed to provide electricity, pipe-borne water, modern toilet facilities, and kitchen gardens at no cost to the residents.

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“The initiative is designed to provide a sustainable solution to the community’s needs, and we’re excited to partner with Odogbolu Local Government to make it happen,” Adegbuyi said.

He further stressed that: “The project is not a charity, but a partnership model in which households will actively participate in the economic activities that generate the benefits they enjoy.”

The pilot phase of the project, expected to cost over $21 million, will involve 80 households in Eyinwa town and provide 28 megawatts of electricity, serving not only Eyinwa but also other towns across Odogbolu Local Government Area and Ogun State at large.

Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, noted that the NCE project aligns perfectly with his administration’s goals of job creation, revenue generation, and sustainable economic growth.

“The partnership with Skillicorn Nigeria Limited is a major step toward ensuring that every community in Odogbolu Local Government gains access to affordable and sustainable energy sources,” Diya stated.

He noted that: “This project will not only improve the lives of our residents but also contribute to the economic development of our state and country.”

The project is expected to create over 200 direct jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area, while also improving food security and promoting economic independence among participating communities.

Residents, according to Capt Adegbuyi, will manage kitchen gardens and poultry, with the daily proceeds from sales used to cover costs such as electricity.

In addition, he said families will retain some of the farm produce for personal consumption, thereby reducing their cost of living and improving their well-being.

The NCE project is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and community development.

By investing in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, the project is set to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents of Odogbolu Local Government.

And with its focus on sustainable energy, job creation, and economic independence, the NCE project is poised to be a shining example of how business can be a force for good in society.

Present at the signing of the MoU at Tanimowo Villa—the country home of the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Dr. Diya, were: traditional rulers from the Alekun axis, community leaders from Eyinwa, Odogbolu I and II, Aiyepe, and Okun Owa, alongside key players from the local government, including legislative leaders and councillors representing Wards 3, 4, 5, and 6.

International partners, Messrs. Paul Skillicorn and Engr. Femi Adeniji also monitored proceedings online from the United States.

The project, rooted in a full-scale agriculture-based economy, aims to deliver lasting infrastructure, employment, and food security to the host communities.

The partnership between Odogbolu Local Government and Skillicorn Nigeria Limited is seen as a significant step towards promoting sustainable economic growth and community development in the rural area.

The project is aligned with the broader vision of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and the Governor of Ogun State, who have consistently promoted private sector collaboration as essential to national development.