Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that an independent power plant that would provide 24-hour uninterrupted electricity to most parts of the state, especially Abeokuta, the state capital, would be ready for commissioning in the next eight weeks.
Governor Abiodun who stated this after inspecting the 30 megawatts power plant located at Onijogangan near Ewekoro, noted that the project, which is in collaboration with private sector partners, is the first phase of Ogun State Light Up Project.
Abiidun averred that the project is in line with his promise to provide uninterrupted power supply to major cities and towns across the state.
He said, “What we are doing today is to witness the first phase of the implementation of our Ogun State Light Up Project. The first phase of this project is the 30 megawatts power generation that will take care of Abeokuta.
“Abeokuta metropolis will require more than 30 megawatts, but this is the first phase of the planned 100 megawatts power generation capacity. I have gone round and have taken note of progress of work so far.
“I have seen the control room, I have seen the turbines, I have seen that will be responsible for ensuring that the gas is compressed. We have seen the gas pipelines that will be completed between three to six weeks. The gas compressor is there and there is diesel tank as well.
“I am quite excited and I am sure that by the grace of God in the next eight weeks, you will be here with me to commission this plant to the glory of God and the use of those who love in Abeokuta.
“I can assure you that once this has been achieved, though we may not be able to supply power to the whole of Abeokuta, but substantial parts of the city will now enjoy 24 hours uninterrupted power supply and that will be unprecedented in the history of Ogun State.”
Abiodun, who was impressed with the high quality of work done at the site, observed that the plant, apart from using compressed gas as its main fuel, would also make use of diesel as a back up incase of disruption in the supply of gas.
He added, “We believe that between two to three weeks, they will begin soft commissioning using diesel while the gas pipelines is being extended to this place. We estimate that between six to eight weeks, the first phase of this power plant will be completed and ready for commissioning.”
The power plant, the governor emphasized, would provide constant electricity to government institutions like offices, health facilities, government quarters, police stations, local government offices and higher institutions, and would eventually cascades to private individuals and industries when the capacity is increased.
He said the state decided to go into power generation, distribution and transmission as the result of its removal from exclusive list by the Federal Government, assuring that similar plants would be built in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ota.
The Ogun State House of Assembly, the governor added, has passed into law the bill setting up Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee all the activities of the power sector in Ogun State, adding that the agency is to provide oversight to anyone that wants to go into power business in the state.
Speaking, the Project Manager, Mr. Selvin Leo, said the project is 90 percent completed, assuring that with the availability of needed materials, equipment and commitment of the workers, the job would be completed in record time.
