Abeokuta: Ogun Government on Thursday inaugurated a ‘Solar-for-Health’ project funded by the European Union (EU) in Abeokuta. Speaking at the inauguration, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, noted that the initiative merges renewable energy with healthcare delivery for enhanced impact.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the governor emphasized that the state is known for being socially equitable, environmentally responsible, and people-oriented. He stated that the current administration has continued to pursue projects that touch lives, strengthen communities, and secure collective prosperity. The significance of the solar-for-health project in the state, he added, could not have come at a more opportune moment.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the interconnectedness of energy and healthcare challenges globally, noting that reliable healthcare delivery is heavily dependent on consistent energy access. In many rural and semi-urban areas, power disruptions compromise the quality of medical services, impacting the potency of vaccines, delaying emergency surgeries, and hindering the effective operation of basic diagnostic tools.
He explained that the project addresses this gap by supplying clean, renewable solar power to selected health facilities across the state, ensuring uninterrupted services, particularly in rural areas where it is most needed. With this intervention, health centers will operate 24 hours a day, without relying on generators. The governor praised the partnership between the European Union and the Nigerian government, which made the project possible.
The governor subsequently inaugurated the state steering committee, comprised of representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, to oversee planning, monitoring, and accountability efforts. Over 40 primary healthcare centers will gain uninterrupted access to clean energy.
Earlier, Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager, Energy and Circular Economy at the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stated that the launch reinforced EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare and energy sectors. The launch marked a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward sustainable and equitable healthcare service delivery.
Tinyan Ogiehor, Stakeholders Engagement Manager, Nigeria Solar for Health Project, explained that the main objective of the project was to expand access to clean, efficient, and reliable energy, supporting the government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy access.