Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday flagged off the construction of 5MW Independent Power Project (IPP) to address shortage of energy supply to government institutions and the private sector in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Fayemi also flagged off other projects including the construction of 19 kilometre Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki dual carriage road, bus terminal and remodelling of Ado Central Business District, and a model secondary school.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony of the Independent Power Plant project in Ado-Ekiti, Fayemi stated that the project was one of the series of interventions mapped out to address the inherent challenges in the state’s electricity supply.

He disclosed that the power project, when completed, would supply power to the Governor’s Office, Government House, State Secretariat Complex, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), and the streetlights along major roads in the metropolis. He added that private concerns would also benefit from the project on willing buyer, willing seller basis.

“When this project is completed, I have no doubt that the quantum of electricity from the national grid being consumed by these users will be made available for the general public in the state. Equally, whatever is left unutilised will be available for private sector players who want to patronise the IPP on a willing seller, willing buyer programme.

“This project is to further reawaken the hope of Ekiti-Kete that we are committed to improving the standard of living and welfare of the people,” FAyemi said.

The governor said other strides made by his administration to boost power supply included collaboration with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to establish additional two power transmission stations installed at Ilupeju and Ijesa-Isu Ekiti.

He added that the installation of 7.5MVA injection substation at Ido Ekiti had been flagged off and the installation of solar home system in unserved and under-served communities by the Rural Electrification Agency in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had been proposed.

Fayemi explained that the efforts in the power sector were pointer to his administration commitment to attract more investors, boost infrastructural and economic developments in the state.

“Let me therefore use this occasion to call on the contractor, Messrs Fenchurch Power to work round the clock to deliver the project under the agreed terms and conditions, without compromising standards,” he said.

Earlier, the representative of the company handling the project, Mr. Femi Bakare explained that a lot of works had been put into motion to ensure the speedy delivery of the project within the stipulated period.