The Yobe State Government has secured a $5 million (approximately N7 billion) World Bank grant to execute solar-powered projects in the six health and educational institutions in the state.

The World Bank project was to provide rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power supplies to the six critical health and education institutions..

Announcing the released World Bank grant, over the weekend in Damaturu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Energy (MoTE), Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam disclosed: “The World Bank grant of $5 million (N7 billion) was released, following a partnership initiated by Governor Mai Mala Buni between the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (FREA) and the World Bank.”

Geidam stated that the solar projects are to enhance what he described as, an efficient service delivery in the six institutions for sustainable development of the state.

The Permanent Secretary said the six benefitting institutions included four Specialists and General Hospitals at Potiskum, Buni-Yadi, Geidam and Nguru, as well as the Umar Suleiman College of Education (USCE), Nguru and Yobe State University (YSU), Damaturu.

Geidam added that the bank’s electrification intervention projects are to address the incessant challenges of an unreliable electricity supplies and the rising costs of diesel in powering the over a dozen generators at the six institutions

“The epileptic power supplies from the affected health and educational institutions, has enormously hindered our healthcare delivery services,” he lamented, stating that the installations of solar PV systems will provide a clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy, by what he described as, uninterrupted services, reduced operational costs, and environmental-friendly sustainability of the state economy.

He noted that solar power initiative, followed a comprehensive feasibility study and the energy needs assessment, which aligned with the structural suitability of most buildings for rooftop solar installations, with provisions for ground-mounted systems, where they are critically needed in the six institutions.

Geidam explained that the detailed project document, has been formally submitted to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of YOREA, Engr. Abba Aliyu, by Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam on behalf of the Yobe state government for immediate consideration and implementation of the World Bank projects.

This solar power installations achievement underscore the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of the Buni administration towards transforming the energy landscape of the state, by improving the welfare of its citizens, and positioning Yobe as a model for renewable energy adoption in the country.

The Yobe state government expressed its appreciation to the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency for their partnership and support, and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of this impactful project. End.