By Faridat Salifu
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu of has formally announced a groundbreaking project to provide 10,000 rural families with solar-powered electricity, marking a major step towards improving energy accessibility in the state.
This recent innovative project marks a collaboration between the Cross River State Electrification Agency (SEA) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja, specifically targeting off-grid areas that are often left without reliable power sources.
Highlighting the initiative’s significance, under the ‘People’s First’ agenda, Otu underscored his administration’s commitment to prioritizing both energy sufficiency and food security as integral components of socio-economic advancement in the state.
He emphasized that the solar project is a pivotal step in realizing this vision, given the unique challenges posed by Cross River’s diverse terrain.
Rt. Hon. Odey, a key figure in the planning, echoed the administration’s focus on rural communities, pointing out that these areas frequently struggle with a lack of infrastructural development compared to urban centers.
“This initiative is about putting the people first, especially those who feel marginalized in the drive for progress,” he stated during a recent meeting.
The project is financed through a collaborative funding structure, with a 70/30 percent contribution between the REA and the state government.
This strategic investment is anticipated to change the energy landscape for numerous underserved communities, providing them with access to much-needed electricity.
Commissioner for Power, Mr. Eka Williams, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a progressive step forward for rural electrification in Cross River.
Meanwhile, Mr. Francis Ekpo, Director General of the State Electrification Agency, reaffirmed Governor Otu’s dedication to rural development, assuring residents of the careful distribution of solar systems to facilitate the implementation of this vital project.