FG approves fund for Ogbomoso 132kv substation - Minister

FG approves fund for Ogbomoso 132kv substation – Minister

Khalid ABRAHAM

The desire of Ogbomoso residents to enjoy better electricity supply may soon be realised as the federal government is said to have approved fund for the completion of the ongoing 132kv/33kv power substation at Ajeja/Temidire.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu Minister of Power

The project which began about 20 years ago during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo, has suffered endlessly in terms of funding as succeeding administrations were lukewarm towards it.

Though the substation was completed few years ago, energizing it by connecting it to Ganmo 330kv/133kv substation (near Ilorin, Kwara state capital) remains undone, making the substation non-functional and perpetuating darkness in Ogbomoso and environs.

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However, light seems to have appeared at the end of the tunnel as the Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu has disclosed that the President Bola Tinubu government has approved fund for its completion.

According to a report by National Insight Adelabu gave the assurance while responding to questions from newsmen at the 60th remembrance anniversary of the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, informing that the contractor would soon be mobilised to site.

Adelabu speaking against the backdrop of visits to him and President Tinubu regarding the Ajeja/Temidire 132kv substation, by the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, added, “I have personally visited the site and assured Kabiyesi during my visit to the palace that the substation will start functioning soon. That is exactly what is going to happen because we are already working on it and others.”

He stressed the connection of the substation to Ganmo through high-tension transmission lines has commenced, noting it remained just about 26 kilometres out of 59 kilometres.

He said pylons (vertical tower-like structure, often made of steel or concrete, which provide support for high-tension electrical cables), were previously erected partially assuring the “work would now be completed following approval of funds and the substation would become functional.”

“The project now approved, the contractor would return to site any moment to complete the outstanding works.”

Adelabu also hinted that the Ikere Gorge Dam, which has remained largely abandoned since 1976, will soon be put to proper use by the federal government.

He expressed optimism that the completion of the substation and other power infrastructure projects would significantly improve electricity supply to Ogbomoso and surrounding communities.

If fulfilled, the substation is expected to be a catalyst for industrial development of Ogbomoso envisioned in the 25 year-development plan of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.