Ondo community wins mini-grid funding

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Odonla in Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State can now heave a sigh of relief, as it has been listed for Off-Grid Power plant development by USADF, as part of the Ondo State Government-led Electricity Improvement Scheme.

Winning the project for the community, Ashdam Solar Company, a private solar energy provider who is in collaboration with Ondo State Power Company had applied for the grant, which was eventually granted after a very rigorous and competitive selection process.

In Ashdam’s letter addressed to Tunji Ariyomo, the Special Adviser (Energy) to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, titled: “Notification of Success in the USADF and All On Off-Grid Energy Challenge for Communities in Ondo State”, it was confirmed that an Off-Grid Power plant has been approved for construction at Odonla community in Ilaje Local Government.

According to the letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the power company, Mr. Adeyemi Asaleye, the company says: “Please refer to your nomination of our company to develop Off-Grid Power Plant for the town in Ilaje LGA: Ajemitale, Odonla Community.

“This is to formally notify your office that the project has achieved success in the final international financial pitch after a rigorous competitive selection process.

“The financial closure is to the tune of USD 100,000 (in direct grant capital, and convertible debt) as well as technical assistance from USADF and governance support from All On which if quantified would be worth additional 100,000 USD.”

Speaking with reporters in Akure, Mr. Asaleye said the capacity of the solar plant would be 56kw, which he noted would serve the community conveniently.

He said the construction of the plant would commence this month and would be completed in September.

Confirming the development, Ariyomo stated that the project was part of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration’s drive to tangibly impact the most energy-deprived parts of Ondo State, boost the economy by powering productive clusters, create employment for engineers, technicians and revenue collectors, show the rest of the country that states have a constitutional role to provide electricity for areas outside the national grid system and overall positively affect the quality of life and the well-being of our people.

He assured that with the berth of the power plant in the community, different business enterprises would pop up and the social life of the people would take a new shape.

Ariyomo said there would be appropriate metering of each connection in the community for proper distribution and consumption of power.

The Special Adviser subsequently directed that an Offtake Agreement be signed between the community and the company as mandated under the Ondo State Government COU policy that was recently passed into law.

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