The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to provide solar-powered electricity to 10,000 homes in rural communities across the state. The project, aimed at addressing the energy needs of off-grid areas, is a collaboration between the Cross River State Electrification Agency (SEA) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abuja.
The initiative comes in response to the challenging terrain that makes it difficult for many rural areas to connect to the national power grid. Governor Otu’s administration, under its “People’s First Agenda,” has emphasized energy sufficiency and food security as cornerstones of development. The solar project is seen as a critical step in fulfilling this vision.
To bring the initiative to life, ASOLAR Systems Nigeria Limited, a company specializing in sustainable energy for off-grid populations, has been contracted as the sole supplier of Solar Home Systems (SHS). ASOLAR’s Managing Director, Mr. Hakeem Shagaya, alongside his team, recently met with Cross River’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, to finalize plans for the project’s launch.
“This administration is focused on the people, especially those in rural areas who often feel left out of infrastructural developments in the cities,” Rt. Hon. Odey stated during the meeting.
The project, funded through a 70/30 counterpart arrangement between the REA and the state government, is expected to bring much-needed electricity to communities that have long been underserved. Hon. Commissioner for Power, Mr. Eka Williams, described the initiative as a “welcome development,”
The Director General of the State Electrification Agency, Mr. Francis Ekpo, praised Governor Otu’s commitment to rural development and assured the public of the diligent distribution of the solar systems.