POLITICAL Economy

Rivers Government Backs Solar Power for Rural Growth

by admin on | 2026-07-12 15:31:37

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By Iquo Williams, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Government has reaffirmed that reliable electricity is indispensable to sustainable development, declaring that no community can achieve meaningful economic growth without access to affordable and dependable power supply.

The Governor Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara made the declaration during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction and installation of an 11.9 Megawatt Peak (MWp) Solar Mini-Grid Project in Bolo Town, Ogu/Bolo Local Government the State.

The project is being executed in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) as part of efforts to expand clean energy access to underserved communities.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Governor Fubara described the initiative as a transformational investment that extends beyond the provision of electricity, saying it would unlock economic opportunities, improve social services and enhance the quality of life for residents.

According to him, the solar mini-grid project represents an investment in the future of Bolo Town, its businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and the wider local economy, while demonstrating the administration's commitment to inclusive development.

The Governor expressed confidence that the project would stimulate the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, create employment opportunities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote environmental sustainability and provide a more reliable electricity supply for residents, particularly women and other vulnerable groups.

He commended the Rural Electrification Agency and its development partners for collaborating with the Rivers State Government to deliver the project, describing the partnership as a clear example of what can be achieved when governments and institutions work together to improve the welfare of citizens.

Governor Fubara reiterated his administration's determination to ensure that no community is left behind in the state's journey towards sustainable electrification, he urged the people of Bolo Town and the wider Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area to take ownership of the project by protecting the facilities, supporting the contractors and cooperating with all stakeholders throughout the construction period.

He expressed optimism that the support and cooperation of the host community would guarantee the successful completion, effective operation and long-term sustainability of the project.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores the Federal Government's commitment to expanding electricity access, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs through renewable energy.

Aliyu disclosed that the agency has already completed 16 renewable energy projects across Rivers State, while an additional 17 projects are in various stages of development, positioning the state as one of Nigeria's leading beneficiaries of the country's clean energy transition.

He explained that the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure would not only bridge the electricity gap in rural communities but also promote industrial growth, improve livelihoods and strengthen the national drive towards sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Ministry of Power, Engr. Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, described the solar mini-grid as a strategic intervention designed to complement the existing 33kV electricity distribution network serving the area.

He noted that the project would provide a reliable and efficient power supply for Bolo Community while serving as a scalable model that can be replicated in other unserved and underserved communities across Rivers State.

Wokoma also applauded the Rural Electrification Agency for partnering with the state government to deepen electricity access and strengthen the state's energy ecosystem through innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Mr. Vincent Nemiboka, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government for selecting Bolo Community as the host of the project.

He described the solar mini-grid as a novel, reliable and sustainable energy initiative that will provide clean and affordable electricity for the people over the long term, while supporting socio-economic development within the community.

On behalf of the traditional institution, the Chairman of the Bolo Council of Chiefs, Chief Augustus Oforibokaka, thanked both the Federal and Rivers State Governments for locating the project in Bolo Kingdom.

He said the project would not only end the community's long-standing challenges of inadequate electricity and potable water supply but would also stimulate economic activities, attract investments and improve the standard of living of the people.

Chief Oforibokaka, speaking on behalf of the King, the Council of Chiefs and the entire Bolo community, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area for what he described as a demonstration of genuine love and commitment to the development of the kingdom.

He assured both governments that the community would provide maximum cooperation to ensure the successful execution and protection of the project.

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