There was wild jubilation in Araromi-Okeodo, a community in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State at the weekend following the supply of electricity to the town for the first time in 91 years.
Residents of the agrarian community trooped out en mass to celebrate the development, with many of them describing the feat as “miracle of the century.”
The Alara of Araromi-Okeodo, Oba Abbas Akanbi, led his chiefs and subjects to the off-grid location of the 50-kilowatt Sholep Energy, the firm responsible for the feat, during its inauguration.
Oba Akanbi told newsmen that he did not believe that a power supply would be possible in his lifetime.
“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,”he said.
The Managing Director of Sholep Energy Limited, Engr Olalekan Adeleke, said the multi-million naira project was funded by the company in conjunction with the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of the Federal Government, saying 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 to the community free of charge.
Speaking, Osun State Commissioner for Energy, Festus Adeyemi, disclosed that the state is also collaborating with private investors to build more power plants in the state towards attracting investment, adding that Governor Ademola Adeleke would ensure adequate security for the power plant.