Residents of Araromi-Okeodo, a farming community in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, has finally received electricity after over 90 years of darkness. Residents are overjoyed.
This achievement was made possible through an electrification initiative carried out by an energy company in collaboration with the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
During a press briefing on Monday, the CEO of the company, Olalekan Shogbesan, explained that the selection of the community for the project was based on its feasibility.
He mentioned that the 50KWP hybrid solar mini-grid power plant, initiated in 2018, had the capacity to adequately provide electricity to the community.
Additionally, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented at the project’s inauguration by his Commissioner for Energy, Ademola Adeyemo, expressed the government’s commitment to supporting the company.
According to him, the Osun state Government would also execute similar projects in other parts of the state.
In addition, the Alara of Araromi Oke-Odo, Oba Abass Gbadamosi, shared his happiness regarding this progress.
He mentioned that the community had been without electricity since its establishment in 1932. According to him, they had been striving for over two decades to bring electricity to the area.
The traditional leader pledged that the community would take responsible measures to safeguard the facilities, emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting the company.
Several residents of the community shared with newsmen that the introduction of electricity would enhance socio-economic activities and improve living conditions.
Despite being a hub for the production of various food and cash crops, the community still lacks essential amenities like clean water and proper road infrastructure.