Ogun State Ministry of Rural Development has embarked on installation of solar street lights at Ore-Ofe community in Idi-Ori Abeokuta North Local Government Area (LGA) and Ebamidupe Temidire Community, Obantoko, Odeda LGA, to make life more meaningful for rural dwellers.
It could be recalled that similar exercise was also carried out at Ayerose, Koriko in Obafemi Owode Local Government, in Ogun Central; Ilobi community in Yewa South, Ogun West, as well as Orimolusi Palace Road, Oke Tako, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu East LGA.
Speaking during the exercise, Commissioner for Rural Development, Mrs. Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, described power generation as one of the major catalysts that could engender development to local communities and enhance security of lives of rural dwellers, saying that the present administration had resolved to ensure rural communities enjoy dividend of democracy and improved living standard, to curb rural- urban migration and enhance economic prosperity.
Represented by the Director of Rural Electrification, Engr. Ismail Balogun, the Commissioner said more rural communities would be light up, in line with the present administration’s agenda on power generation, tagged, ‘Light up Ogun’, in which the Ministry keyed into.
He charged the community leaders to ensure proper maintenance of the project, so as to spur on the government to do more.
On his part, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Sakirudeen Salam, pointed out that government was determined to drive rural community agenda forward, in line with its mandate that all small towns in the state get boosted through renewable energy sources.
Speaking on behalf of the benefitting communities, Messers. Lawal Nosiru of Ore Ofe Idi Ori and Prince Bayo Ademolu, Ebamidupe Temidire CDA, Obantoko, expressed gratitude to the state government, noted that the initiative was a proof of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s unwavering commitment to citizen’s welfare, promising to take ownership of the property.