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LASG SET TO BOOST ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO LEKKI, IBEJU COMMUNITIES THROUGH COOPERATIVES

(L-R) A representative of African Development Bank, Mrs. Ify Emefiele; Senior Vice President USIAD/National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Dr. Daniel Waddle; Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Olalere Odusote; Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Engr. Razak Bamidele Kasali; Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Oladele Ajayi, the CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Engr. Adeoye Fadeyibi and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ms. Sholabomi Shasore during the Stakeholders Consultation Session held at Lekki LCDA in Ibeju Lekki area of the State.


The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has informed residents of Lekki, Ibeju and environs of a new power supply plan to the areas, noting that the State Government has entered a partnership with African Development Bank and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to improve the present power situation within Lekki and its adjoining communities.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Olalere Odusote, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interactive consultation session with concerned stakeholders in Lekki and Ibeju at the Secretariat of Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

He said the initiative, tagged: “Lagos State Electricity Cooperatives with the African Development Bank”, will help fast track the supply of electricity to unreached areas within the LCDA, urging the residents to cooperate with the State Government to bring the lofty initiative to fruition.

Explaining the concept of the Lagos State Electricity Cooperatives with the African Development Bank, the Commissioner stated that the entire expenses needed to provide power supply to the residents of the affected communities would be shouldered by the African Development Bank.

According to him, the beneficiaries of the power supply generated, through the partnership with the African Development Bank, are expected to enter into a cooperative body for a convenient repayment plan through the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).

The move, according to the Commissioner, is to extend power supply, including the provision of pre-paid meters, to residents of the area within the shortest possible time without putting an unnecessary burden on the beneficiaries of the gesture.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ms. Sholabomi Mosunmola Shasore said that the stakeholders’ session was organised by the Ministry to seek the buy-in of stakeholders and residents of Ibeju and Lekki into the new initiative.

She reiterated the commitment of the State Government to the conclusion reached at the end of the interactive session, assuring that the resolutions will not just be looked into, but actions will be expedited on them.

In his opening address at the event, the Council Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Mr. Rasak Bamidele Kasali, enjoined all stakeholders to see the interaction session as a way out of the present state of instability in electricity supply to the various communities within the council.



Also, the Council Chairman of Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, appreciated the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for always prioritising the needs of residents of Ibeju-Lekki in all his people-oriented developmental projects and plans.

The Council Chairman enlightened the people that the Electricity Cooperative Model, which is the first of its kind, needs the full support of the residents with the cooperation of both the Local and State Governments to be effective.

He advised the residents to embrace the model, assuring the Commissioner as well as other participants, of the readiness of Ibeju and Lekki councils to ensure the success of the new electricity supply initiative.

The Senior Vice President USAID/NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, USA) Dr. Daniel Waddle, in his presentation, explained the processes through which the electric cooperative will work and gave examples of cities like Bangladesh where the initiative is functioning perfectly.

He enjoined the stakeholders to make good use of the great opportunity presented by the initiative, adding that members of the community will always be grateful to the State Government for bringing the laudable initiative to their community as a pilot scheme and first of its kind in the country.

On her part, Mrs. Ify Emefiele, representative of the African Development Bank (AFDB), spoke on the support which the Bank is providing in ensuring the community is well electrified through their financial intervention.

Dignitaries present at the event include Mr. Raheem Kazeem Adewale, Honourable Member representing Ibeju Lekki Constituency II; Mr. Oladele Ajayi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Commerce and Industry and Mr. Musiliu Olowu, member Governing Board, Lagos State Sports Commission, among others.

Cross-section of stakeholders and participants at the  Consultation Session held at Lekki LCDA in Ibeju Lekki area of the State on Wednesday

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