By Barth Ikiebe.
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has mapped out plans to bring electricity to all rural communities within the region.
The SSDC Managing Director, Ms Usoro Akpabio, disclosed this in a meeting with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Managing Director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu in Abuja.
Ms Akpabio stated that the initiative aims to empower the people, bridge the energy gap and create an economic revolution using clean energy solutions.
She expressed appreciation to Engr. Aliyu’s leadership and pledged the Commission’s readiness to work closely with REA to deliver transformative energy projects.
According to Ms Usoro Akpabio, her plans included electrification of rural and riverine communities, powering agricultural and processing clusters, renewable energy solutions for schools, health centres, and SMEs, youth training and job creation in the clean energy sector.
The REA’s Managing Director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, pledged the agency’s full support, highlighting existing projects in the region as a foundation.
He commended the SSDC for its vision and commitment to advancing regional development.
Engr Aliyu highlighted several ongoing and completed REA projects in the South-South, including solar hybrid mini-grids, electrification of schools and healthcare facilities, as well as market electrification projects.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region through stronger collaboration with SSDC.
Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group to accelerate the project’s implementation, which also includes a focus on youth training and job creation in the clean energy sector.
