On Wednesday, some indigenes of Esa-Oke, a community in Osun State, handed over 50 solar street lamps worth N15 million to the state College of Technology in the town.
The group, under the Esa-Oke Renewal Initiatives, said the project was aimed at fostering collaboration between the college and the community.
Speaking during the commissioning of the project, the chairman of the group, Mr. Wumi Adeniyi, noted the project, which cost the sum of N15 million, was done in collaboration with Cedrus Group Africa and other partners.
Adeniyi said the project would improve both the college environment and the living conditions of the Esa Oke community.
“This significant achievement underscores the partnership and collaboration between the Esa-Oke College of Technology since its inception and the community.
“From its inception in 1981, the college has thrived on this collaboration, thanks to the waving support and generosity of the Esa-Oke Community. This dedication has been made through several sacrifices, including the provision of land, housing, and other resources.
“The Light-Up Project is a testament to our commitment as a not-for-profit organisation to improving both the college environment and the living conditions of the Esa Oke Community.
“This 15 million Naira project, funded with donor funds, includes the installation of 50 LED integrated solar-powered tree lights, bringing much-needed illumination to the campus and enhancing its functionality.”
In his words, the project coordinator, Ayo Adediran, said the project does not only illuminate but also beautify the areas covered.
Adeniran, while appreciating the group, said the College, through the office of the Deputy Rector, had carried out an impact assessment report and certified it.
He said, “The College, through the Office of the Deputy Rector, carried out an impact assessment report of the Light Up Project upon completion.
“In the assessment report, the College team observed that “The project having been completed has a very resounding effect. It does not only illuminates but also beautifies the areas covered.
“The areas covered are now a cynosure of all eyes beholding it. The Health Centre is also well-illuminated. The College plans to begin a 24-hour health service delivery at the Centre as soon as possible.”
“The entire OSCOTECH Community cannot but profoundly welcome and appreciate the rare gesture initiated and prosecuted by Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative (ERI) in collaboration with CEDRUS GROUP AFRICA”
In his own speech, the Asiwaju of Esa-Oke, Hon. Dosu Fatokun, said: “The Light Up project is a bold attempt to make up for the chronic deficit of electricity supply in our community.
“Nigeria is one of the most under-powered countries in the world, with actual electricity consumption 89 percent below expectations based on the current population of over 200 million.”
“It should therefore be appreciated that ERI’s Light up project is not only relevant but also timely for the desired development of Esa-oke to meet the ideal international standard of 1000 MW of electricity to one million people”.
“The first phase of the project, which has now been completed, involves the multimillion-naira installation of fifty (50) units of solar-powered lights in OSCOTECT, Esa-Oke.
“Without compromising the next phase of this project, one implores ERI to extend this electricity supply initiative to the four quarters of Esa-oke township by coordinating and partnering with Esa-oke Central Union, which may involve each quarter coming up with appropriate counterpart fund contributions to finance the project mobilisation of the quarters, for the fund will be undertaken by ECU.”.
Lastly, he appealed to government to inaugurate a meaningful corporate social development enterprise for the host community
Also, the state commissioner for education described the feature as outstanding and charged other communities in the state to emulate it.
The Commissioner, Hon. Eluwole Sunday Adedipo, who is the special guest of honour at the occasion, added that the light-up solar power will add more value to the college and urged them not to relent in enhancing the advancement of the school.
In his submissions, the OSCOTECT Rector, Dr. . Samson Akinbamide Omobayo Adegoke, appreciated the Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative and their partner, Cedrus Group Africa, for the “Light Up OSCOTECH Project.”.
He remarked, “This project is a trailblazer; we salute your generousity and thoughtfulness. As you assured me, this is Phase One; we hope Phase Two will not take too long to start. We pray that God will repay you in good measure.”
Also, the Chairman of the governing council board of the college, Prince Diran Odeyemi, also appreciated the renewal institution and their partner and assured that the institution would make good use of the project.
He described the gesture as a commendable one and charged other well-meaning Nigerians, including philanthropists in the town, to rise up and ensure the institution’s greatness.
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