By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State lawmakers have appealed to the state government through the State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to consider more communities and rural areas in the 3rd phase of its Light-up Oyo Project.
The lawmakers made the appeal while contributing to a motion jointly brought before the House by Hon. Abiola Monsuru Olalekan (Akinyele I) and Hon. Oparinde Oladeji (Afijio) on the need to extend Light-up Oyo Project to Akinyele-Onidundu and Afijio axis as well as other areas of the state.
The lawmakers noted that the light up Oyo project was a good initiative which should be replicated in every community across the state.
According to the lawmakers, the light up Oyo project is important in stemming the tides of crimes and boosting security and economic activities of the benefiting communities.
The motion read in part, “The Governor’s astute understanding that darkness harbors criminal activities underscores the critical importance of illuminating our towns and cities. Further notes that phase one of the project which covered Ibadan metropolis was greeted with excitement and joy. People of Oyo State including visitors praised the Government for the brilliant initiative.
“The projects illuminated streets allowing activities to extend beyond the usual time. A year later, around September 2020, the Second phase of the project was inaugurated by the Governor.
“This phase was to cover other administrative zones of the State. The Light-Up Oyo project was designed to cover the entire state and 240 km of roads. The project has a tribrid power system.
“The Oyo State 11 Mega Watt Independent Power Project (IPP which is ongoing) is the main source of power, while gas, generators serve as backup.”
The movers of the motion said it was unfortunate that Akinyele-Onidundu town which boasts of Lam Adesina Ram Kraal market, goat market and an international trailer park and Afijio town which hosts one of the biggest hatcheries in the country, a pharmaceutical company and many small scale businesses are yet to enjoy the Light-up project.
“Given the demonstrable success of the Light Up Oyo project in enhancing economic vitality and fostering community safety elsewhere in the State, it is imperative that these communities be prioritized for inclusion in the initiative.
“Further observes that the streetlights installed in the projects are of a better quality and give better illumination than solar-powered streetlights. The benefits that the project has brought to the communities that are currently enjoying it transcends the objectives of the Government. ”
The House urged its Committee on Energy to interface with the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources and other relevant officials on the next phase of the project.
