Petroleum University Gets 24-hour Electricity As FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant

From L-R: Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and the MD of REA, Ahmad Salihijo duri the official inauguration of 1.35MW hybrid solar power plant in FUPRE, Delta State yesterday 

The federal government yesterday, under its Energizing Education Programme (EEP), inaugurated a 1.35MW Solar hybrid power plant to provide 24-hour at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State. 

Twenty (20) female students of the University, trained in renewable energy infrastructure under the implementing agency, Rural Electrification Agency's (REA), Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme were issued graduation certificates. 

Commissioning the project, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege commended the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba and the leadership of REA for delivering what he described as a quality project. 

Omo-Agege called on the benefitting university to ensure appropriate maintenance of the property even as he said that renewable energy is a veritable solution to endemic power problems in Nigeria. 

In his words, "I want to thank my brother and friend, the Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba for the leadership he showed in seeing to the successful completion of this project. 

"To the Managing Director of REA and his team, I thank you for delivering this quality project. Renewable energy is undoubtedly a veritable solution to endemic power problem in this country and I'm happy that Nigeria is gradually moving away from the conventional energy sources". 

The Minister on his part said that the development highlights the federal government's commitment and resolve to promoting the well-being of its people through the provision of safe, clean and reliable electricity. 

Agba said "the commissioning today comes at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions. The Federal Government of Nigeria is fully committed to living up to this charge and has shown an demonstrated this commitment with this power project being operationalized today". 

He maintained that "as the Minister of State, Power, it is my duty and responsibility to supervise activities of the REA and promote the growth and development of renewable energy technology in Nigeria through the agency. It is a function I take pride in and one I hold dear to my heart. 

In the disposition of these responsibilities, I have had the pleasure and honour to work and engage with various stakeholders within and outside the power sector, towards advancing the goal of increasing participation in renewable energy solutions in Nigeria. This project is part of that story ; a validation and celebration of all the efforts and contributions it has taken to bring us to where we are". 

The Minister added that "this solar hybrid power project will enable this institution to improve its security, standard of living of the students, managements, staff as well as provide improved quality of education in a more conducive environment". 

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad charged the university management, students and staff to protect the property. 

He said that the project contains a world class "Workshop and Training Center. The 20 female STEM interns handed certificates today participated in the construction phase of the project".

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Deputy Senate President, minister and Management team of the REA for the project.

While appealing to the federal government for more projects, he assured that as a University, centered on Science and Engineering, the project was in safe hands and would be properly utilized.