Etung, Cross River – Governor Prince Bassey Otu, has commissioned a 440KWP capacity solar grid to provide uninterrupted power supply to four communities in Etung Local Government Area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Etomi community on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, Governor Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that rural communities across the 196 wards have access to clean energy through solar power.
He stated that the government would collaborate with the federal government and foreign donor agencies willing to support rural electrification to ensure no household is left out.
The governor also pledged to support small business owners who rely on electricity to sustain their enterprises, in addition to providing other essential social amenities.
The Director General of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar, represented by Engr (Mrs) Ngozi Ejiogu, reaffirmed the agency’s mandate to ensure that rural communities across Nigeria have access to clean energy.
She stated that solar power is a viable solution and that the newly commissioned mini solar grid would significantly improve electricity supply to the benefiting communities, with provisions for future expansion.
Mr Eckhard Heine, the representative of the European Union (EU), expressed the EU’s commitment to providing clean energy to African communities, particularly in Nigeria.
Heine, who also represented GIZ, a German technical partner, said the project was a collaborative effort between the federal government’s REA, the Cross River State government, and the EU.
He noted that Cross River was selected as one of the pilot states for the initiative and assured that the project would be expanded in the future.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to actualising Governor Otu’s vision of rural electrification in the state.
“To achieve this, we are working hand in hand with the Rural Electrification Agency at the federal level and donor agencies,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Joseph Mbu (Rtd), expressed gratitude for the project and pledged to safeguard it against vandalism. He thanked President Bola Tinubu and Governor Otu for prioritising rural electrification while calling for further infrastructural development in the area.
The newly commissioned solar grid is expected to enhance economic activities and improve the quality of life in the benefiting Etung communities.
