The Ogun State Government has officially launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project, an EU-funded initiative to deliver clean, reliable solar power to public health facilities and nearby small businesses across the state.
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by Finance Commissioner Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, performed the flag-off ceremony, hailing it as a key pillar of the state’s ISEYA Development Agenda.
“This project addresses a critical gap by providing clean, renewable, and sustainable solar power to health facilities across our state. It will ensure uninterrupted service delivery, particularly in rural communities where the need is most critical,” Abiodun said.
“With this intervention, our health centres will not only have light; they will have life.”The governor noted that erratic power supply often causes vaccine spoilage, delays emergency care, and disrupts medical operations.
The solar micro-grids will also cut carbon emissions and create jobs through training local technicians.Under the programme, 40 primary healthcare centres, one in each of Ogun’s 20 local government areas will receive solar systems between 2024 and 2028.
Nearby SMEs will connect to the grids at regulated, affordable rates to boost local economies.
Abiodun praised the partnership with the European Union, NTU International, and the Federal Government as a model of accountable, locally owned development.
Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker said many secondary facilities currently spend over ₦100 million monthly on energy.
She called the project “fundamental” and urged the newly formed Steering and Technical Committees to deliver with innovation and transparency.“
Investing in health is the right thing and the smart thing to do. Every dollar spent on women’s health yields up to $13 in economic returns,” she added.
Project Manager for Green Economy EU, Godfrey Ogbemudia, described the launch as a milestone in sustainable healthcare.
He said the initiative, already active in Plateau, Enugu, Abia, and Akwa Ibom, will enhance climate resilience and make energy access a right, not a privilege.
Special Adviser on SDGs and Water Resources, Damilola Otunbanjo, said the dual benefit to clinics and SMEs ensures “the power that lights hospitals also powers small businesses.”
Energy Adviser Babajide Onakoya stressed the vision of an “energy-secured healthcare system where no doctor operates in darkness and no mother gives birth without power.”
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