Oyo solar project to boost electricity supply in Ibadan communities — Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said the newly flagged-off 17.75-megawatt solar photovoltaic project, featuring a 17.74-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), in Ibadan will improve renewable energy utilisation and help align electricity supply with demand.

“Today’s project combines a proposed 17.75-megawatt solar photovoltaic installation with a 17.74-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system.

“The solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, while the battery stores energy for later use. Subject to the final design and operating arrangements, this combination can improve the use of renewable energy and help align supply with demand,” Makinde said.

Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Power, Professor Dahud Shangodoyin, spoke on Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony held at Bishop Phillips Academy, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

The governor disclosed that the state government was nearing 75 per cent completion of its 12-megawatt Ibadan Gas Power Project and the associated transmission infrastructure visible around the city.

He said Oyo State’s energy agenda was broad-based, covering solar power for public facilities, rural electrification, mini-grids and private sector-led generation and distribution.

“Our wide agenda includes solar power for public facilities, rural electrification, mini-grids, as well as private sector-led generation and distribution.

“No single technology can meet every need. Solutions must be technically sound, commercially viable and supported by effective distribution, maintenance and regulation,” he said.

According to him, the new project is intended to serve communities including Molade, Adelubi, Alakia, Ajoda, Egbeda and Monatan in Ibadan, as well as Ido.

He stressed that success should be measured not only by installed capacity but also by the reliability, affordability and quality of electricity delivered to residents and businesses.

He added that improved electricity supply would support artisans and small businesses, reduce losses for traders, improve healthcare services and learning conditions, help businesses grow and create jobs. He therefore charged the project partners to assess outcomes transparently, including the number of connections achieved, electricity delivered, reliability and accountability.

Makinde assured stakeholders that Oyo State remained committed to providing an enabling environment within a clear regulatory framework and to working professionally with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Paras Energy and other relevant institutions.

He appreciated the Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Ademola Omotosho, for facilitating the provision of land for the solar farm.

The governor urged residents to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and illegal connections. He also called on the developer to engage constructively with host communities and comply with environmental, safety and consumer protection requirements, noting that sustainable projects depended on trust, accountability and shared responsibility.

He commended the Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, for bringing the project to his hometown, alongside the REA, Paras Energy Limited and other stakeholders.