Southwest, Oyo State To Experience Improved Power Supply As Ikere Gorge Hydro Power Project Begins
Southwest, Oyo State To Experience Improved Power Supply As Ikere Gorge Hydro Power Project Begins
The Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday officially handed over Ikere Gorge to Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria (Concessionaire) Limited at a colourful ceremony.
Speaking at the event, the minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the handing over is not just for power alone but it also includes improved water supply, irrigation, and commercial fishing among others.
Adelabu explained that the project is a reflection of federal government readiness to ensure energy growth all across the state, adding that the concession is for the development of the 6MW Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project in Oyo State.
He described the event as a milestone toward achieving a sustainable, reliable, and affordable power supply across the country.
He added that the step is an indication of another and important milestone in the nation’s quest for achieving a sustainable, reliable, and affordable power supply across Nigeria.
The minister emphasised that the Ikere Gorge Dam project is more than hydropower concessions but also a strategic intervention that underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to advance energy access, stimulate state electricity markets, and enhance local industrial productivity through clean and renewable energy sources.
In his address at the event, the minister of water resources and sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utse said the government’s role is increasingly that of an enabler by creating the right regulatory environment, ensuring policy consistency, and de-risking investments through credible partnerships and transparent processes.
He said that through public–private partnerships like this concession, the government is unlocking capital, technology, and innovation from the private sector to deliver projects that directly impact citizens and strengthen energy security.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr Adedeji Ashiru said the events represents watershed in the quest for energy security due to the quality leadership of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government.
“It’s a decisive step towards realising effective use of vast water resources of the Southwest region. It will generate clean and stable electricity.”
The Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III (Ajirotutu I), in his goodwill message, said the project will reduce poverty and enviromental sustainability, create jobs and stimulates local economy.
“This project represents a beacon of hope for a nation’s energy and provides clean and reliable energy.
“Let me also say that local community must be empowered to take ownership of their energy resources. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through determination and collaboration. ”
In his remark, the Chairman of Quaint Energy, Femi Adeyanju, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister of power and his water resources and sanitation counterpart for bringing the long time wishes of the people of the area to fruition, adding that the company will go beyond the targeted 20 megawatts to 100 megawatts.
Adeyanju assured that work will commence immediately so as for timely completion of the project, adding that the people of the area will be given adequate employment opportunities as the work progresses.
Responding, the Chief Executive Officer, Quaint Energy chairman, Mr. Mobolaji Durodola stated that the company funded in 2006 with the aim of mobilising capital for renewable energy in sub saharan africa assured not to disappoint in the delivery of the project in line with the timeline.
He said the concession will be beneficial to the state and the area of the location with a lot of locals and residents of the area being employees of the company.