The Ekiti State Government is doubling down on its commitment to improve the availability of electricity, reinforcing the national power grid and extending its own Independent Power Project (IPP) to vital institutions throughout the state.
According to Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, these strategic electricity projects, carried out under the umbrella of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), are designed to significantly increase both the amount and reliability of power available across Ekiti.
Speaking at a community engagement event in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Aluko stated, “This undertaking marks another important step forward in Ekiti’s pursuit of energy independence, economic advancement, and a better standard of living for everyone who calls this state home.”
He detailed specific projects, including the construction of a four-kilometer, 33kV power line stretching from the Central Bank of Nigeria Junction in Ado-Ekiti to Iyin-Ekiti, as well as a six-kilometer, 11kV line running from Ayoba Junction near the Government House to the Ureje area within the state capital.
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Aluko clarified, “The 33kV line extension to Iyin-Ekiti is specifically intended to boost the public power supply serving that university town, while the 11kV extension will deliver power generated by the state’s IPP to key facilities including the Ekiti State Water Treatment Plant, the local Technical College, and the Technology Incubation Centre located in Ureje, Ado-Ekiti.”
He further explained that these projects have received approval from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and are part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to improve electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure throughout the state.
Aluko also revealed plans to expand the state’s IPP to keep pace with rising energy demands. “The IPP, which currently provides approximately 2.6 megawatts of power during peak usage times, is being expanded beyond its initial scope to now serve government offices, the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, and other government-run institutions that generate revenue. The demand from new customers continues to increase,” he noted.
The Commissioner emphasized that these initiatives are in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s vision to provide a stable, dependable, and sustainable energy supply, thereby stimulating industrial growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the efficiency of public services.
He further added, “The implementation of a state grid concept will supplement the National Grid by creating alternative pathways for electricity distribution, guaranteeing energy security and uninterrupted power to communities across the state. As part of the Federal Government’s intervention project, transformers have also been allocated to communities within the state capital, including Uso-Agbaye, Ofin, Olorunsogo, Toluwani, and Omisanjana.”
Project Manager Nwovah Chicoba reassured stakeholders and residents of the affected communities of their full cooperation to ensure the smooth and timely completion of the projects.
Community representatives, including Chief Ajayi Ebenezer, the Olugbaye of Ugbaye, and Chief Emmanuel Abiola, the Obanla of Uso, praised the government’s efforts, recognizing the interventions as a catalyst for socio-economic progress.
As previously reported by The PUNCH, the Federal Government had approved essential electricity projects in Ekiti under the NIPP to strengthen and expand the power supply. These projects include the 33kV line from CBN Junction to Iyin-Ekiti and the 11kV line to the Water Corporation, Technical College, and Technology Incubation Centre in Ado-Ekiti.
Aluko emphasized that these interventions, which encompass upgrades to both transmission and distribution infrastructure, will significantly improve electricity access for homes, schools, businesses, and water facilities, ultimately boosting economic activity and improving the quality of life for all residents.
