Osun resumes construction of 33KV Feeder Line after 11-Year abandonment

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has inaugurated the construction of a 33KV Feeder Line in Obokun, a project that has been dormant for 11 years.

At the flag-off ceremony, Governor Adeleke declared the initiative as a pivotal step towards ending a prolonged period of darkness and economic stagnation for the people of Obokun and neighboring areas. He underscored his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the state’s economy through improved infrastructure.

The Governor highlighted the importance of reliable power supply, stating that it is crucial for economic activities and overall growth. He announced that Osun State is preparing a draft electricity bill and policy aimed at expanding power generation and distribution.

“The forthcoming policy and bill will transform the electricity landscape in Osun. With our abundant rivers and solar resources, we plan to generate our own electricity. We will issue licenses to qualified electricity generators, regulate our power distributor, Ibadan Disco, and oversee the relationship between power producers and consumers. This new strategy will also establish a state regulatory agency for the power sector,” Adeleke explained.

He directed the State Ministry of Energy to formulate an implementation plan with clear timelines and involve stakeholders to ensure sustainable results. He also urged the contractor and their team to complete the project on schedule.

The 33KV Feeder Line will serve communities in Obokun Local Government and extend to Omi Aladiye, Akad, settlements along the Ilesa-Osogbo road, Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government, Kajola, and Osunjela in Atakumosa West Local Government.

Festus Adeyemo, Osun State Commissioner for Energy, noted that the project was initially awarded in 2013, with 30% of the funding released at that time. However, it was stalled due to insufficient funding and lack of interest from successive administrations.

Adeyemo praised Governor Adeleke for his decisive action in resuming and completing the project, which is expected to provide electricity to Obokun, Ilesa West, Boluwaduro, and Atakumosa West local governments.