Group to develop five renewable solar energy plant in Ijebu-Ode

The Friends of Nigeria Business Forum, Hungary, said on Tuesday that it would develop a five megawatts renewable solar energy plant in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.
Leader  of the six-man Hungarian delegation, Mr Viragh Ference, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Ogirimadagbo of Ilodo, Oba Isiaka Ajede, in Ijebu-Ode.
Ference told newsmen at the monarch’s palace that the Nigeria project would provide at least 300 jobs for starters, when completed.
He said similar projects initiated by the group had already been completed in South-Africa and Saudi-Arabia.
“We are working on renewable energy which will supply electricity from the sun because it is the safest, cleanest and noiseless source of energy abundant to Africa.
“The project will be self-sustained as locals will be trained to manufacture indigenous solar panels made from locally sourced materials.
“Youth unemployment is a major source of concern, so we also aim to empower about 300 workers for a start, through the project,” he said.
Ference, who could not give a specific project commencement date or amount to be expended, said they hoped to improve from five to 15 megawatts power generation in the long-term.
He added that the group was also proposing to set up a solar energy training school to be located in Ilodo community.
Ajede, who was given the Friends of Nigeria Business Forum Leadership Award 2013 by the group, commended the investors for their gesture, urging other organisations to emulate it.
According to the monarch, the initiative for the project was conceived as part of a presentation he made in a meeting with the group earlier in the year held in Budapest, Hungary.
“Let’s not forget that energy provision and job creation is what we are bringing to this nation and it takes one person to change the whole world,” Ajede said.
The monarch further disclosed that the delegation had commenced discussion with the Ogun State Government on agricultural development, promising to facilitate bilateral partnership between Nigeria and Hungary.
Otunba Toyin Taiwo, President, Ijebu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), also said that foreign direct investments (FDIs) should be encouraged to speed up economic development.
“The profile of FDIs in Nigeria’s power sector will be buoyed with the planned establishment of the solar power plant,” Taiwo said.

- The Citizen

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