Ogun State Government in collaboration with the European Union and NTU International have launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project which aims to provide reliable solar power to 40 primary health centres across the State.
The move is part of measures being taken by the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration to strengthen healthcare delivery and promote sustainable energy in the state
Governor Dapo Abiodun during the launch of the project at Mitros Hall in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital , described the project as a “transformative intervention” that would enhance service delivery, create jobs and improve the resilience of health facilities.
Governor Abiodun represented by the State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, noted that the Solar for Health Project would not only power healthcare facilities but also benefit surrounding small and micro businesses, enabling them to legally connect to the solar network under regulated and affordable terms.
“This initiative will ensure uninterrupted power for health centres, strengthens immunisation cold chains and support telemedicine services across Ogun state particularly in rural communities where the need is more critical,” Abiodun said.
He said the state would ensure that the project implementation would be well coordinated as well as promote proper maintenance, build capacity and local ownership of the facilities, revealing also that the intervention would create jobs, enhance local capacity and ensure environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.
Also Speaking, Programme Manager, Energy and Circular Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, expressed delight at the astuteness of the State in indicating interest in the project and depositing their counterpart fund, pointing to the recognition of the benefits the project would accrue to the State and its citizens.
He highlighted the project as part of the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative, designed to drive equitable healthcare service delivery and sustainable energy access.
He noted that the project, which would span 2024 to 2028, would provide solar micro-grid solutions to public health facilities in all 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State, in order to ensure health facilities operate seamlessly 24 hours a day without reliance on generators, improve healthcare delivery while reducing carbon emissions.
In his remark, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan expressed delight at the project, calling it a “convergence of innovation” which embodied the economic and social philosophy of the present administration aimed at bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement.
His counterpart in the Ministry of health, Dr. Tomi Coker, described the project as timely and transformative, as power served a fundamental and indispensable element in the delivery of efficient and effective healthcare to the people, referencing the adoption of the project by the State Government as a step in the right direction.
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