By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on Friday commissioned a 1.35MW solar hybrid power project at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Delta State.
The project which falls under the Energising Education Programme (EEP) of the Federal Governmen t, was implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
According to Omo-Agege, the clean-generated power will provide uninterrupted power for the over 6,000 students and staff members of the university.
He said the project was in fulfilment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to increasing electrification across the country for socio-economic development, commending his administration “for the strong support and assistance provided to the power sector without which the commissioning of this project would not have been possible.”
“Today’s milestone stands as beneficial to both the educational and power sectors, which are key components of this administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan targeted at improving efficiency in both public and private sector; increasing national productivity; achieving sustainable diversification of production; to significantly grow the economy and achieving maximum welfare for the citizens by ensuring food and energy security,” Omo-Agege noted.
The Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy Agbain in his brief remark said he was elated with the project commissioned, pleading that the university should endeavor to own it and ensure it enjoyed good maintenance culture.
He assured that more gigantic projects that would step up learning and research would come to the university.
On his part, Vice Chancellor of the university Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said the commissioned solar hybrid project would enhance research drive in the school, noting that poor power situation had hampered research activities in the past.
“With this FUPRE will be more relevant in research in the country. Research had suffered set back in the past because sometimes plants were switched off during closing hours while some researches were ongoing,” he said.The Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy Agbain his brief remark said he was elated with theproject commissioned, pleading that the university shouldendeavor to own it and ensure it enjoyed good maintenance culture,” the VC said
Managing Director/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency, Engr Ahmad S. Ahmad said the very aim of the Energizing Education Programme is to provide clean, reliable, safe and sustainable electricity to 37 Federal Universities and 7 associated University Teaching hospitals across the country.
“The programme was also targeted at rehabilitating existing electricity distribution infrastructure, providing designated street lighting for illumination and safety across campuses, as well as the provision of a world class renewable workshop/training center for each of the beneficiary institutions.
“Also, as part of the subcomponents of the Energizing Education Programme, 20 female students were selected from each university to receive hands-on training in the design and construction of the solar hybrid power project, under the tutelage of the project Developer and the supervision of the Rural Electrification Agency.
“So far, 80 female STEM students have been trained and I can say that these young bright female energy enthusiasts are prepared for greatness in the energy sector,” Ahmad said.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Engr Magaji Aliyu, said the ceremony attested to the Federal Government’s commitment and resolve to promoting the well-being of its people through the provision of safe, clean, and reliable electricity.
Aliyu, who was represented by Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, member representing Ughelli North/South/Udu federal constituency at the the House of Representatives, said the
commissioning came at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is fully committed to living up to this charge and has shown and demonstrated this commitment with this power project being operationalized today,” he added.
