The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to improving energy access as a driver of economic growth and enhanced social well-being.

He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a roundtable on rural electrification and strategy implementation.

Governor Ododo said Tinubu’s efforts are a clear path to unlocking Nigeria’s economic greatness through affordable and clean energy.

The governor reaffirmed Kogi State’s support for the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), pledging to facilitate infrastructure development, streamline administrative processes, and promote community involvement in electrification projects.

“We are ready to provide flexible infrastructural support, expedite administrative processes, and ensure community buy-in for every project that you may be interested in in our state.

“Electrifying our rural communities is not just about providing light; it is about igniting hope, fostering innovation, and empowering our people to build a self-reliant future,” Ododo said.

The governor urged the REA and other partners to prioritise Kogi State in their electrification programmes, noting the importance of universal energy access in fostering innovation, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

He said, “Together, we can achieve universal energy access and create a brighter, more prosperous Kogi State.”

The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, announced that SOSAI Renewable Energy Service Company had secured a $300,000 grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to electrify 17 health centres in Kogi State.

Aliyu said the project has the potential to expand to an additional 40 primary health centres.

He urged the Kogi State government to provide the necessary counterpart funding to ensure the successful execution of the initiative.

“Habiba Ali, the founder and CEO of SOSAI Renewable Energy Service Company, will oversee the implementation of the grant,” Aliyu said.

Also, Kogi State’s Commissioner of Energy, Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib, urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to power the state’s future with reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

He noted the transformative impact of green energy initiatives, including mini-grids, on the state’s largely agrarian communities.

“This is a chance to transform the lives of our people, vitalize the economy, and set a benchmark for impactful development across the state and the country in general,” Abdulmutalib said.