The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, officially inaugurated the 3.6 megawatt state Independent Power Project (IPP) in Ado Ekiti on Thursday. This initiative is viewed as a significant stride toward the industrialization of the state.
Situated on Bank Road, the IPP is anticipated to address power challenges faced by residents, businesses, and industrial facilities. Governor Oyebanji, during the launch, highlighted the positive impact the project would have on economic activities, the industrialization process, and the overall quality of life for the people of Ekiti State.
The inauguration of the IPP follows closely on the heels of the Governor’s recent launch of electricity projects in various communities across four local government areas. These communities had been without a reliable power supply for over a decade.
Governor Oyebanji, referring to the IPP project as a “game-changer,” affirmed the administration’s dedication to achieving energy self-sufficiency. The goal is to facilitate rapid industrial development, stimulate economic activities, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to overall growth and development.
The Governor underscored the importance of the project in meeting the escalating energy demand of the state and reducing dependence on the national grid. He outlined several measures taken by his administration to address the issue of erratic power supply in Ekiti State. These measures include the rehabilitation and reconnection of the Gbonyin/Aiyekire and Ekiti East 33KV lines to the national grid, evacuation of energy from the 30MVA transformer at the TCN facility at Omisanjana to the Industrial and Tourism zone of Erijiyan and Ikogosi.
Furthermore, the Governor highlighted the extension of electricity to the Agric Processing Zone in Iyemero from Eruku in Kwara State and the rehabilitation of the 33KV network from Ilumoba to Ikole Ekiti. These interventions reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the power sector in Ekiti State.