Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has flagged of a hybrid solar-powered mini grid projects to boost supply of electricity to households in communities of Damaturu, the state capital.

He said the the solar-powered grid is a significant step towards enhancing energy access and promoting economic growth and development of the state.

Launching the energy project on Wednesday in Damaturu, Buni said: “Today’s event mars a groundbreaking ceremony for the interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid project to boost the  local economy with electricity supplies,”

He added that the ambitious energy initiative is poised to transform the energy landscape for thousands of residents, businesses, and institutions across the state.

During the event, Buni also expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in improving power supply as a vital driver to socio-economic development.

He highlighted the government’s successful electrification of over 450 rural communities and the restoration of power to areas previously affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening the state’s infrastructural facilities.

The governor also emphasized the importance of reliable electricity supply in driving industrial growth and job creation, stating that the hybrid solar mini-grid projects would directly benefit households, markets, schools, hospitals, and agricultural enterprises in Damaturu, Bade, Nguru, and Potiskum Local Government Areas.

“With an investment classified as one of the largest of its kind in Northern Nigeria, the projects are expected to significantly enhance service delivery and improve the quality of life for residents,”

Additionally, Buni outlined the strategic reforms underway, including the establishment of the Yobe State Rural Electrification Commission (YREC), aimed at driving rural electrification and attracting investments in the energy sector.

The governor also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the Rural Electrification Agency, development partners, and the communities involved for their support and collaboration in bringing these projects to fruition.

He, therefore assured stakeholders of the state government’s commitment to provide a conducive environment for the successful implementation of the projects and emphasized the need for community ownership to ensure long-term sustainability.

Buni also officially presented the title documents for the various project sites, signaling a new dawn in Yobe State’s energy supply efforts.

The transformational hybrid solar mini-grid projects represent a pivotal stride toward a sustainable and prosperous future for the people of Yobe state.”