Residents of Ibadan have expressed their enthusiasm and support for Governor Seyi Makinde and Oyo State’s Commissioner for Energy, Seun Ashamu, following the successful completion of Phase 1 of the 11 MW Hybrid Independent Power Project (IPP) at the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi.
This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to enhance its energy infrastructure.
The 11 MW IPP, developed through a public-private partnership between the Oyo State Government and Elektron Energy, includes a 5 MW completed phase that is slated to go live by the end of 2024.
Additionally, the project will expand to include a second phase of 6 MW, which will commence immediately thereafter.
The hybrid power solution is designed to integrate a 10 MW gas-fired generation system with a 1 MW photovoltaic solar solution.
This initiative is supported by the ongoing Shell Gas Pipeline project. The project will serve as a primary power source for the Light Up Oyo project, significantly impacting various critical facilities across the state.
These facilities include the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, 12 healthcare facilities such as Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital and State Hospital Ring Road, judicial complexes at Iyaganku and Ring Road, the Oyo State Secretariat and House of Assembly, as well as selected schools within a designated area near the power generation plant.
Governor Makinde highlighted the project’s importance in his recent address, emphasising that the IPP is a crucial component of the state’s broader strategy to achieve energy sufficiency.
He noted that the initiative not only addresses power shortages but also promises to enhance the quality of life for residents through improved access to electricity.
In addition to the IPP, the Oyo State Government is implementing other strategies to bolster energy supply, including the installation of solar-hybrid mini-grids in rural areas and the Oyo State-Shell Nigeria Gas project.
The establishment of the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Law further empowers the state to manage its electricity generation, distribution, and transmission, a responsibility previously held by the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, this progressive move has garnered positive feedback from the community, with many residents optimistic about the future of energy in Oyo State.