Olabode Omoyele hails Ondo Power Sector Law, seeks off-grid solution for Okitipupa
A Public affairs analyst, Mr. Olabode Omoyele, has commended the Ondo State Government for the passage of the Ondo Power Sector Law(OPSL), describing it as a bold step toward energy independence and economic growth in the state.
Olabode who spoke in Lagos on Monday, said the law, which liberalises power generation, transmission and distribution in the state, will attract private investment and reduce over-reliance on the national grid.
“The Ondo Power Sector Law is timely and visionary. For too long, our people have suffered blackouts that crippled businesses and schools. This law gives Ondo State the legal framework to take charge of its electricity destiny,” he said.
He, however, urged the Aiyedatiwa administration to prioritise off-grid and decentralised power solutions for Okitipupa Local Government Area, noting that the council and its environs had once suffered a harrowing total black out experience spanning years that turned an entire kingdom to a hamlet cut off from basic amenities that electricity supply offer despite huge contributions to the state’s economy.
“Okitipupa is blessed with agriculture, coastal resources and a growing industrial base, yet we are among the worst hit by power supply failure.The national grid has failed us. What we need now is deliberate investment in solar mini-grids, gas-powered independent plants and other off-grid options under the new law,” Olabode stated.
According to him, leveraging the provisions of the new law to license independent power producers for Okitipupa and other deserving areas will create jobs, boost agro-processing and stem rural-urban migration. “It is sad to note that some Ikale communities despite the return of electricity after the many years of power outage have yet to be connected to the national grid. We call on the elected representatives of the people in this area to stand up to the challenge of bringing this inequality to the fore and collaborate with other well meaning people in engaging government over the need to take advantage of this new law to return electricity to the people if connecting these blacked out areas to the national grid continues to look like a Herculean task.
“The law provides for embedded generation and mini-grids. Government should fast-track licensing for investors willing to bring light to Okitipupa. Light equals productivity. Darkness equals poverty,” he added.
Olabode Omoyele called on stakeholders, traditional rulers and youth groups in Okitipupa to engage the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau to ensure that the area is captured in the first phase of implementation.
The Ondo Power Sector Law, signed earlier this year, empowers the state to generate, transmit and distribute electricity within its territory, and to establish a state electricity market independent of the national grid.
