The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed that reliable electricity is critical to sustainable development, stressing that meaningful economic growth cannot be achieved without access to affordable and dependable power supply.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this 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 Area of the state.
The project is being implemented 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, Professor Ngozi Odu, Governor Fubara described the initiative as a transformational investment that goes beyond electricity provision, noting that it would unlock economic opportunities, improve social services and enhance the quality of life for residents.
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He said the solar mini-grid project represents an investment in the future of Bolo Town, its businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and the broader local economy, while reflecting the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
According to the governor, the project is expected to stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, create employment opportunities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote environmental sustainability and provide a more reliable electricity supply, particularly for women and other vulnerable groups.
Governor Fubara commended the Rural Electrification Agency and its development partners for collaborating with the state government to deliver the project, describing the partnership as evidence of what can be achieved through effective cooperation.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the state’s drive towards sustainable electrification and urged residents of Bolo Town and Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area to protect the facilities and support the successful implementation of the project.
The Governor expressed confidence that the cooperation of the host community would ensure the project’s successful completion, efficient operation and long-term sustainability.
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 demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity access, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs through renewable energy.
Aliyu disclosed that the agency had completed 16 renewable energy projects across Rivers State, while 17 additional projects were at various stages of development, positioning the state among the leading beneficiaries of Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
He explained that expanding renewable energy infrastructure would help bridge the electricity gap in rural communities, promote industrial growth, improve livelihoods and support 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 said the project would provide reliable and efficient power supply to Bolo Community while serving as a scalable model for other unserved and underserved communities across Rivers State.
Wokoma commended 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 sustainable solutions.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Mr Vincent Nemiboka, thanked the Rivers State Government for selecting Bolo Community as the host of the project.
He described the solar mini-grid as a reliable and sustainable energy initiative that would provide clean and affordable electricity while supporting socio-economic development in the community.
On behalf of the traditional institution, the Chairman of the Bolo Council of Chiefs, Chief Augustus Oforibokaka, expressed appreciation to the Federal and Rivers State Governments for locating the project in Bolo Kingdom.
He said the project would address the community’s long-standing electricity challenges, stimulate economic activities, attract investment and improve residents’ standard of living.
Chief Oforibokaka also assured the government and project partners of the community’s full cooperation to ensure the successful execution and protection of the facility.
