By Newsmata
History was made in Oyo State on Friday as Governor Seyi Makinde inaugurated the first phase of the 11 Megawatts Ibadan Hybrid Power Plant, marking the state’s entry into independent power generation. The commissioning took place at the Power House in Agodi, Ibadan, and was part of the administration’s efforts to enhance energy sufficiency and attract private sector investments to address Nigeria’s energy shortfall.
The first phase of the project included a 1-megawatt solar power system and a 4-megawatt gas-fired generator. This development is expected to provide uninterrupted power to critical infrastructure, including the state secretariat, health facilities, schools, and the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, impacting over 8,000 public servants and 15,000 patients.
Governor Makinde revealed plans to launch a 500 Megawatts Solar Power Project in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, which will enable the state to generate electricity locally and potentially export energy to neighboring countries. The 11MW hybrid plant, built under a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, is a private investment initiative that began in 2021.
Makinde emphasised the strategic role of reliable power supply in economic development, citing a 90% growth in Oyo State’s GDP, from ₦2.75 trillion in 2019 to ₦4.05 trillion in 2022. He noted that the state’s investments in infrastructure, agribusiness, and security have created an enabling environment for private sector partnerships, which are key to sustainable development.
The governor also highlighted recent legislative steps, such as the Oyo State Electricity Regulation Bill, signed into law in early 2024, to simplify regulatory processes and accelerate energy projects. He described the hybrid power plant as a game changer, positioning Oyo State as a leader in localized power generation in Nigeria.
Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustainable energy and called on more investors to explore opportunities in the state’s energy sector. He assured stakeholders of a conducive investment climate, promising that Oyo State would remain at the forefront of innovative solutions for economic growth and infrastructure development.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barrister Temilolu Ashamu, applauded the governor’s vision, noting that the project will significantly boost energy reliability and sustainability across the state. Managing Director of Elektron Energy Limited, Mr. Tola Talabi, assured attendees that the company would operate the plant for 15 years before transferring ownership to the state.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, business stakeholders, and local government chairmen were also present.