By Emmanuel Oluwadola
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Akure branch, said Ondo State has started leveraging on the solar potential for electricity self-sufficiency.
NSE Akure branch Chairman, Engr. Stephen Bolawole stated this during a press conference in Akure to commence the annual engineering week 2023.
He said the engineering week programme is geared toward achieving energy self-sufficiency in the State and Nigeria at large for economic sustainability and development.
He said, “Talking about self-sufficiency in energy, we are looking at what we have as a state, the Sunshine facilities created by God for us in Ondo State. We are leveraging on letting our people know that as engineers, we can also develop our solar potential in Ondo State.
“We have started it. Before now people used to believe that solar is only meant to lighten up their homes, but it is beyond that. As a community and state, using solar is possible. For example, for the past two years at Ala-Elefosan, they have been enjoying a 24-hour electricity supply created by the Ondo State Government using solar facilities for electricity self-sufficiency in that community.”
The chairman applauded the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for creating a local regulatory body in line with the Federal Electricity Act 2023 for the electricity market, stressing that the state is benefitting from the decision so far.
“We have started receiving responses from NEC to transfer the power to Ondo State to govern its electricity. If this happens, it is going to boost the economy of Ondo State. We will no longer rely on grid-tide electricity 100 percent but we are going to be generating our electricity and regulating it also,” he said.
The immediate past NSE chairman, Akure branch, Engr. Ezekiel Olountola said to safeguard structural stability, engineers should always ensure that foundation tests are carried out on any building soil before construction.
He added that the effort of the State Government toward having an independent power supply is to power the entire state, assuring that Akure NSE is working on revamping the damaged traffic light, street lights and other facilities to safeguard lives and properties.
Olountola stressed the need for citizens to be sensitised to always refrain from damaging the state properties and the fear of locally made products should be discouraged.
He, however, enjoined residents of state to watch out for quacks in the profession who are masquerading as registered engineers.
Secretary planning committee, Engr. Oluwaseun Adeyeye said the public lecture with the theme, “Energy Self-sufficiency as Key to Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability and Development.”
Other activities for the NSE Akure Engineering Week 2023 include Tuesday Novelty Match between NSE Akure and NUJ, Ondo State @ African Comp. High School, Alagbaka, Akure; Wednesday Spouse’ Day @ NSE Secretariat; Thursday AGM & Election @ NSE Secretariat; Friday Jumat Service @ Akure Central Mosque; Saturday Dinner & Award Night; Sunday Thanksgiving Service @ CAC Revival Centre, Ijoka, Akure.
