The CESEL-Concerto JV has
successfully commissioned four Solar Hybrid Mini – Grid Projects in Osi,
Arajoshua, Alutierin, and Olomuoja communities in Ife South Local Government
Area of Osun State.
The installation of the four
mini-grid sites with a combined output of 150Kw has successfully enabled the
provision of electricity to over 1,200 households, marking a significant
milestone in the development trajectory of the communities and thereby
transforming the lives of the rural community residents positively. The
project, conceived under the Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP) of the
World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and jointly executed by
Concerto (a fully owned subsidiary of Aradel Renewables Limited) and CESEL and
has brought clean energy to off-grid communities.
Presenting his welcome address to the
attendees, Dr. Patrick Tolani, the CEO of CESEL, discussed the challenges
encountered during the project and expressed gratitude to the Royal Fathers and
communities for their cooperation. He emphasized that the project's objective
goes beyond the social consideration of just providing electricity for domestic
use; but is targeted toward improving the economic lives of the people. Dr.
Tolani further emphasized that the project was deployed through a robust
partnership between CESEL and Concerto.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr ‘Lare
Daramola (Chair of the CESEL-Concerto JV) of Aradel Renewables Limited said,
‘Our commissioning of four mini-grid sites in Osun State, in conjunction with
our JV partner CESEL, demonstrates our commitment to providing sustainable and
clean energy solutions to support economic growth and bring a brighter future
to many. Today we are harnessing clean solar energy to bring electricity to
villages that have been totally disconnected from the national grid, and in
doing so, we are addressing energy poverty in a tangible manner in Nigeria. Our
continuous growth and innovation have enabled Aradel Holdings Plc to broaden
its participation in the energy sector beyond upstream and midstream/downstream
oil and gas to now include the first of more steps to come in renewables as we
consistently deliver value to our Shareholders and other stakeholders.’
Honourable Engr. Festus Ademola
Adeyemo, the Commissioner for Energy Matters for Osun State, during the
commissioning ceremony expressed his satisfaction as well as the appreciation
of the State Government to the CESEL-Concerto JV. He acknowledged the project's
alignment with the state's strategic vision of ensuring reliable electricity
supply across the state. Furthermore, Engr. Ademola assured the residents that
the road connecting the communities with Ife would be renovated to enable them
to leverage on the availability of electricity for their economic development.
The paramount rulers and heads of the
communities, HRM Oba Solomon Adenipekun Ademakinwa, Oloosi of Osi, HRM Oba Dr.
Ademilokun, the Olu of Olomu, HRM Oba Oladepo Towobola, Lerinyo of Alutierin,
and Princess Adeola Ademakinwa, the Representative and Community Leader of
Arajoshua were elated about the deployment of electricity into their
communities after years of darkness. They extended their heartfelt appreciation
to the CESEL-Concerto JV,
recognizing the project as a significant milestone in the communities’
progress.