Edo Community Extols Jedy-Agba For 24-hour Electricity After 60-Years Of Darkness

Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR addressing Adebayo community during commissioning of 100KWP solar power plant 

The people of Adebayo community in Ovia-South local government area of Edo State are full of praises for the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR as their community gets electricity for the first time in over 60 years.

Recall that the Minister, on Wednesday February 24 commissioned a 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant in the community.

The solar power plant which is to serve 800 homes has been test run and is currently supplying 24-hour electricity to over 300 homes in the community.

Adebayo, rich in cocoa and palm production was in darkness for over six decades before the federal government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), powered the community in its 19,000 Solar Homes System (SHS) initiative.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Chief Friday Obariyu, the Okao of Iguobazuwa, Ovia-South local government, said that the solar power project was timely as it will go a long way to reducing rural-urban migration.

Obariyu said that "We are very thankful to the Honourable Minister of State for Power who is the Minister in charge of Rural Electrification Agency, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, the MD/CEO of REA and his team for this huge project. This project is very timely and a great development to us.

Chief Friday Obariyu, the Okao of Iguobazuwa, Ovia-South local government,

As you can see, since they started test running it, most of us who were based in the city had to return home because the light we're enjoying here, we didn't enjoy it in the city".

He added that "Electricity is an essential social aminity. When we say we have not had it for 60 years, we're not exaggerating, we mean it. This project will go a long way to help to open up other opportunities for our people. We will now be able to process some of our farm produce".

Also speaking, Waheed Ajam, a native of the community and Secretary, Village Power Committee said that the 24-hour electricity will in curbing insecurity in the community.

Waheed Ajam, a native of the community and Secretary, Village Power Committee

"I have lived in this community for more than 20 years and this is the first time we are seeing electricity. I want to appreciate our dear Minister who left his busy schedule to be here with us today. This community will never forget him, the MD of REA and the entire people who worked to ensure this project comes to life".

While thanking President Buhari, he however appealed that "as you can see, our roads are not too good so we want to appeal to our Minister that as he returns to Abuja, he should tell the President and his colleague, Minister of works to please, also come to our aid in the aspect of good road network".

On her part, the Head Mistress of Esigie Primary School Ikoha11 situated in the community, Mrs. Alagbe Juliana Tunrayo

Head Mistress of Esigie Primary School Ikoha11 situated in the community, Mrs. Alagbe Juliana Tunrayo

said that the project will improve the standard of teaching and learning in the school.

She said that "as you can see, this project is located within our vicinity here. Since they started the test running of this power plant, we have improved our quality of teaching and learning and I know with this formal commissioning, we will even do better".

Alagbe added that "even the community will benefit greatly from this project. Now if you want to buy cool water and drinks, you can do so. It wasn't like that before. We are happy and grateful to the President, Minster, REA and everybody that played a role in making this a success".