Residents of Araromi-Okeodo, a community in Ife-South Local Government Area of Osun State, stormed the street over the weekend in wild jubilation following the electricity supply to the town for the first time after 91 years.
During the celebration, the rural community’s residents described the feat as the ‘miracle of the century’.
An energy company funded the multi-million naira project in conjunction with the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency, REA of the Federal Government.
The Monarch of the town, Oba Abbas Akanbi, the Alara of Araromi-Okeodo, led his chiefs and subjects to the off-grid location of the 50-kilowatt during its inauguration.
Oba Akanbi, during an interview with newsmen, said he did not believe that a power supply would be possible in his lifetime.
He promised that the community would ensure the sustainability of the plant and protect it adequately as a means of showing gratitude.
He said, “We have heard several stories about power supply to the community which never materialise and even when we were told of this solar power plant, we thought it is another fake promise, but today, I am the most fulfilled person worldwide.
“We, as a community, will ensure the sustainability of the plant and protect it adequately as a means of showing our gratitude. We are sure that the community will witness more growth and development.”
Also, the Managing Director of the company involved in the project, Engr Olalekan Adeleke, said the off-grid power plant will supply over 700 houses.
He added that the mini-grid plant will supply 24-hour uninterrupted power to the community with a durable water supply free of charge.
Osun State Commissioner for Energy, Adeyemi Festus, disclosed that the state is also collaborating with private investors to build more power plants to attract investment, adding that Governor Adeleke would ensure adequate security for the power plant.
