The community of Araromi-Okeodo, located in the Ife-South Local Government Area of Osun State, has erupted into joyous celebrations as they welcome the long-awaited arrival of electricity after 91 years.
Residents of the community gathered in large numbers to celebrate this significant development over the weekend as many described this achievement as “miracle of the century”.
The Alara of Araromi-Okeodo, Oba Abbas Akanbi, alongside his council members and community members, guided the proceedings during the inauguration of the 50-kilowatt Sholep Energy firm, which played a key role in making this achievement possible.
Oba Akanbi told pressmen that he did not believe that a power supply would be possible in his lifetime.
“We have heard several stories about power supply to the community which never materialise and even when we were told of this solar power plant, we thought it is another fake promise but today, I am the most fulfilled person worldwide.
“We, as a community, will ensure the sustainability of the plant and protect it adequately as a means of showing our gratitude. We are sure that the community will witness more growth and development”, he said.
Engr. Olalekan Adeleke, the Managing Director of Sholep Energy Limited, highlighted that this multi-million naira project received funding from the company in collaboration with the World Bank and the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
He emphasized that the off-grid power plant is to provide electricity to more than 700 households, adding that the mini-grid facility will ensure uninterrupted 24-hour power supply to the community while also providing them with a reliable and free water supply.
Adeyemi Festus, Commissioner for Energy in the state disclosed that the state is also collaborating with private investors to build more power plants in the state towards attracting investment, stressing that Governor Ademola Adeleke would ensure adequate security for the power plant.
