Michael James
Leeds, England — The CESEL-Concerto JV has successfully commissioned four solar hybrid mini–grid projects in Osi, Arajoshua, Alutierin, and Olomuoja communities in the Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State.
The installation of the four mini-grid sites with a combined output of 150Kw has successfully provide electricity to over 1,200 households, marking a significant milestone in the development trajectory of the communities.
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 has brought clean energy to off-grid communities.
Presenting his 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.
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.’
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.
The commissioner assured the residents that the road connecting the communities with Ife would be renovated to enable them to leverage 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.
The commissioning of the 150kw solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Osi, Arajoshua, Alutierin, and Olomuoja communities represents a significant leap towards achieving universal access to electricity in off-grid locations. The CESEL-Concerto JV have exemplified their dedication to social responsibility and sustainable development, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the people in these communities.
