By Chinwendu Agoha (Governance Reporter)
The solar power programme of the Federal Government aimed at delivering power to the people at the base of the economic ladder in the country has been described as a most desirable development.
The programme which was flagged off last Friday in Jangele Community of Jigawa State by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will be replicated in the 36 states of the country.
According to the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, the solar power programme will provide Nigerians at the lowest rung of the economic ladder access to cheap and environmentally-friendly renewable power.
"The Solar Power Naija programme is being implemented under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) of the Federal Government and will be replicated in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
"The programme will enhance economic activities and social interactions in the rural areas of the country, as well as help create jobs for Nigeria’s teeming youths, provide them with necessary skills and reduce rural-urban migration".
The group also noted that with the rollout of five million solar-powered connections across the country within the life of the Buhari administration, Nigerians in the rural areas will begin to enjoy electricity.
"This is the first time in the history of the country that the Federal Government is making deliberate efforts to connect off-grid Nigerians to a cheap and environmentally-friendly source of power".
BMO also applauded the Buhari administration for embarking on this affordable and ambitious initiative through the Rural Electrification Agency with a 140 billion naira financing programme which will be used to support private developers to provide power for five million households in the country.
"It is also commendable that young Nigerians will be given opportunities through the Solar Power Naija Programme to showcase their know-how and improve their knowledge with the latest solar-power technology.
"We consider this initiative as a reflection of the Buhari administration’s desire to impact on the Nigerian people positively in all areas, and enjoin Nigerians to continue to repose their unwavering trust in the administration", the statement added. NNL.
