Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo has said the state will be the first to achieve energy sufficiency.
The governor who stated that achieving energy sufficiency in Oyo has always been a major focus of his government, expressed the readiness of the state to partner with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATN) to achieve this.
Makinde gave this indication on Tuesday, when he attended the 20th Anniversary of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATN) held in Ibadan.
“You are going to be commissioning a 1.4 megawatts solar plant. This is pretty much in line with our aspiration in Oyo state,” he said.
“For us, energy sufficiency is a big part of this administration. When I came in, there was no Energy Ministry but we now have and the Commissioner for the Ministry is here.”
Makinde, who maintained the state will also within the next few weeks, commission its 11 Megawatts Power Plant with 10 Megawatts gas-driven while 1 Megawatt is solar-powered, said he would soon sign the Bill establishing the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
He added that states can perform optimally if the constitution is amended in some aspects, stating that dependence on Abuja will reduce drastically.
The governor commended the company for its immense contributions to Oyo State over the years, promising to sustain the conducive environment in which BATN and other companies are operating in the state.
He noted that the state would look forward to working with BATN to improve electricity supply in the state.
The governor hailed BATN for attaining a historic milestone in Nigeria, noting that the company has contributed in various ways to the development of the state.
Chief Kola Karim, the chairman BATN in his remarks, said the company had played a pivotal role in the economic growth and prosperity of the country.
Similarly, Mr. Yarub Al-Bahrani, the Managing Director, BATN said the company would continue to sustain its legacy of success and economic growth in Oyo State and Nigeria.
