Yobe Governor Backs 13.92MWp Solar Mini-Grid Projects
Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni says new solar projects will widen electricity access and support economic growth across underserved communities.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has praised the Federal Government for launching 13.92MWp solar mini-grid projects across five communities.
The Yobe solar mini-grid projects, being delivered through the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), cover Waziri Ibrahim Estate in Damaturu, Rugar Fulani and Yarimaram in Potiskum, Gashua in Bade Local Government Area and Nguru in Nguru Local Government Area.
Buni spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony in Damaturu, saying the projects support his administration’s plan to build stronger infrastructure and promote sustainable economic growth.
He said reliable electricity remains vital for businesses, public services and job creation, particularly for young people. He added that the Federal Government’s intervention would strengthen the state’s efforts to extend power to rural and underserved communities.
“Over the years, our administration has successfully initiated and completed the electrification of over 450 rural communities across the state and connected several others to the National Grid, thereby expanding access to electricity and stimulating socio-economic development,” Buni said.
The governor also said his administration restored power to communities where facilities were damaged during the Boko Haram insurgency. It also connected Gulani and Yunusari local government areas to the National Grid after decades without access.
“Similarly, we connected the 30-year-old Gulani Local Government and the 35-year-old Yunusari Local Government to the National Grid, while 33kV and 11kV lines were also extended to underserved communities in the state,” he said.
Buni said the state also built a dedicated feeder line from the 330/132/33kV Injection Substation to supply Yobe State University and its Teaching Hospital. The government has also installed, rehabilitated and upgraded transformers and transmission infrastructure.
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu said the Yobe solar mini-grid projects should be completed within six months. He urged residents to support contractors and protect the facilities.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power Mahmoud Mamman also called on communities to prevent vandalism and protect the new infrastructure.
Can these projects significantly improve economic opportunities in Yobe’s underserved communities?
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