FIC Report (Ekiti State) – A new solar-powered healthcare initiative has been unveiled to address persistent energy shortages in medical facilities, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Speaking at the launch of Nigeria Solar For Health Project (NISHP) in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji said the project is aimed at providing reliable electricity to health centres across the state.
The governor described the initiative as a transformative intervention that goes beyond powering healthcare facilities but in making sure communities have access to clean and reliable energy.
Represented by Professor Mobolaji Aluko , the governor explained that the European Union-funded project, is designed not only to electrify health centres but also to serve as energy hubs for surrounding communities, particularly Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
He explained that the project will enable businesses located around the health centres to access electricity in a structured and sustainable manner, paying for power in a way that ensures continuity and maintenance of the infrastructure.
The governor noted that the state government is fully committed to the success of the initiative, emphasizing that the project has been deliberately structured to avoid the pitfalls of previous interventions where facilities deteriorated due to poor maintenance funding.
According to him , the systems being deployed are comprehensive, consisting of solar panels, controllers, inverters, batteries and metering systems, to guarantee long-term functionality.
“Today is the official launch of the Nigeria Solar for Health Project. It is an EU-funded project aimed at providing electricity in various health centres. But beyond that, these health centres are also hubs for what we call the productive use of energy.
“Ekiti is one of seven states participating in this project and we are among the last two states to join. We are looking forward to its successful implementation.
“The state has paid its counterpart funding of one billion naira and, the steering committee is made up of the Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Commissioner for Health, and the DG OSD. All of us are involved in ensuring that this project succeeds.
“The way the project is structured, it is bound to be viable. There are built-in sustainability mechanisms. One of the common challenges with such projects is that infrastructure is provided, but operation and maintenance become difficult over time.
“For instance, when something breaks down, the health centre may not be able to afford repairs. However, in this case, electricity will be provided, paid for and properly metered.
“It’s not just about installing panels and batteries. As you would have noticed, the system includes solar panels, controllers, inverters, batteries and meters. This comprehensive setup ensures sustainability”.
The Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager for the Nigeria Solar for Health Project, Tinyan Ogiehor, said the initiative is being implemented in seven states nationwide such as Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Plateau, Gombe, Ekiti and Akwa Ibom, disclosing that the project will electrify about 130 health centres and support approximately 415 SMEs across participating states.
Ogiehor explained that the model incorporates community engagement and modest payment systems to ensure long-term maintenance and operation of the facilities.
He further revealed that participation in the project was competitive, with states required to commit ₦1 billion in counterpart funding within a specified timeframe.
“This is not the traditional donor-funded model where projects are executed and abandoned. Instead, through community engagement and structured payments even if in stipends, these systems will be maintained for years to come. That is the overall aim of the project.
“It is important to note that this project is funded by taxpayers’ money from the European Union. So, in essence, it is a gift to the country.
“However, such funding is limited. To qualify, states were required to provide counterpart funding.
In June 2024, during a national engagement, all states were informed that only those that could provide ₦1 billion as counterpart funding by October would participate, on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Ekiti happened to be the seventh state to meet this requirement, which is why it is part of the project.
“So, participation was purely based on the state government meeting the criteria. This is not the first time such a solar-for-health initiative is being implemented. Similar projects have been carried out as far back as 2012″, he added.
Another highlight of the event was the inauguration of a 7-Man Steering Committee for Nigeria Solar For Health Project (NISHP). The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Mobolaji Aluko and co-chaired by the State’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani.
Agbesusi Olugbenga
CIA&PR0
29/04/2026.
