By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde on Tuesday, hinted that the state will be the first in Nigeria to achieve energy sufficiency.
Governor Makinde dropped this hint in Ibadan, while speaking at the 20th Anniversary of the British American Tobacco (BAT), Ibadan Plant, held at the company’s premises in Ibadan.
The governor pointed out that achieving energy sufficiency in Oyo State has always been a major focus of his government, adding that the state government is ready to partner with the British American Tobacco (BAT), Ibadan Plant, to achieve this.
“ You are going to be commissioning a 1.4 megawatts solar plant.This is pretty much in line with our aspiration in Oyo State”, he said.
Gov Makinde added, “For us, energy sufficiency is a big part of this administration When I came in, there was no Energy Ministry but we now have and the Commissioner for the Ministry is here.Less than 3km from here, you have the City Gate for the gas coming into Ibadan. So, we should be able to work together to utilize Nigerian gas in this environment.”
The governor noted that Oyo state will also within the next few weeks, commission its 11 Megawatts Power Plant, with 10 Megawatts gas-driven while 1 Megawatt is solar-powered and that he would soon sign the Bill establishing the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Speaking further, he maintained that states can perform optimally if the constitution of the country is amended in some aspects, adding that dependence on Abuja will reduce drastically.
“One thing I want to say is that we have also been working on the legal end of things. You know the constitution has just been amended. The House of Assembly has just passed the bill and I will be signing the bill into law before the end of this week.the Bill has created the Electricity Regulatory Commission in Oyo State.”
Commending BAT for attaining a historic milestone in Nigeria, he said the company has contributed in various ways to the development of the state.
The chairman, BAT Nigeria, Chief Kola Karim, while speaking said the company had played a pivotal role in the economic growth and prosperity of the country.
“It is a privilege and honour to stand as the chairman of BAT and to welcome you to a celebration of over a hundred years of doing business in Nigeria.On this remarkable journey, we have taken over the past two decades since our world-class factory began operation here in Ibadan”, he said.
Chief Karim added, ” Standing as a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation, the state-of-the-art facility has not only served as a beacon of progress but has also played a pivotal role in economic growth and prosperity.”
