Residents of Araromi-Okeodo, an agricultural hamlet in Osun State’s Ife South Local Government Area, just received power supply for the first time in more than 90 years.
This was made possible through an electrification project carried out by an energy company in collaboration with the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The town was chosen for the project based on its viability, according to Olalekan Shogbesan, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who briefed press on the matter on Monday.
He claimed the community’s 50KWP hybrid solar mini-grid power plant, which began operating in 2018, was sufficient to supply power.
The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, who was present at the project’s inauguration through his commissioner for energy, Ademola Adeyemo, stated that the government would support the business.
He stated that such initiatives would be carried out by the Osun Government throughout the rest of the state.
Additionally speaking, The Alara of Araromi Oke-Odo Oba Abass Gbadamosi, the community’s traditional leader, expressed happiness over the development.
He claimed that from the town’s founding in 1932, electricity has not been available. He claims that he tried for more than 20 years to provide power to the region.
The community would ensure that the facilities are carefully safeguarded, the traditional ruler vowed, and he also said that the people have decided to support the business.
According to some neighbourhood members who spoke with the media, electricity would improve living conditions and stimulate socioeconomic activity.
The region, which grows a variety of food and income crops, lacks other essential social services including access to clean water and reliable roads.
