The Enugu State Government on Wednesday signed agreements with four renewable energy developers to provide electricity to four rural communities across the state’s three senatorial districts.

The agreement was signed during the Renewable Energy Development for State Electricity Market (REDSEM) Grant Agreement Signing Ceremony organised by the Enugu State Government with support from the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) and German Development Agency (GIZ).

The benefiting communities were Okpatu, Ugbawka, Agwunta, and Ijabe, while the selected developers include Darway Coast Nigeria Ltd, Sea Solar Energy Limited and two other firms.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, said the programme marked the commencement of electricity projects in four unserved communities through an in-kind grant funded by the German Government through GIZ.

He said the grant covered the procurement of critical infrastructure, including solar panels, batteries, inverters, poles, wires and other equipment required to establish integrated solar mini-grids with a minimum generation capacity of 200 kilowatts in each community.

“In a nutshell, it means that four more communities in Enugu State will have electricity within the shortest possible time, potentially within six months if implementation is fast-tracked,” he said.

Okonkwo explained that while 80 per cent of the project cost was covered through the grant, the developers would contribute the remaining 20 per cent for civil works, metering, operations and electricity service delivery.

He noted that electricity supplied under the programme would not be free, but would be offered at affordable tariffs to ensure sustainability.

The EERC chairman said the selected communities were among 113 underserved and unserved communities identified by the state government for electrification.

He added that the communities had already provided land and signed agreements welcoming the developers, while regulatory agencies would ensure compliance with standards and consumer protection requirements.

Also speaking, Mr Joshua Garba, Head of Component, Sustainable Energy Investments at GIZ-NESP, said the initiative was jointly funded by the European Union and the German Government.
Garba commended Enugu State for emerging as a leading subnational government in implementing the provisions of Nigeria’s Electricity Act through the development of a state electricity market.

“Enugu State is always mentioned at our meetings and gatherings because of the progress it has made in the electricity sector. We are pleased to be part of this journey and will continue to support the state beyond the current intervention,” he assured.

Representing Gov. Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the partnership aligned with the administration’s vision of making Enugu investment-ready through improved infrastructure and strategic donor partnerships.
According to him, access to reliable electricity remains critical for economic growth, security, healthcare, education and overall rural development.

He assured investors and development partners of the government’s commitment to providing regulatory support and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks to ensure timely project delivery.

The SSG also stressed the importance of community participation and security, urging traditional leaders and community stakeholders to safeguard the infrastructure.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Franklin Enyinna, described the project as a major step towards achieving the state’s economic transformation agenda.

“You cannot grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion without reliable power supply. This project aligns perfectly with the governor’s vision of making Enugu an investment-friendly destination,” he said.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electrification Agency, Mr Christopher Ezeoha, explained that the agency would supervise implementation, ensure compliance with technical standards and oversee operations to guarantee sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of the developers, the Chief Executive Officer of Sea Solar Energy Limited, Mr Chibueze Ekeh, said the selection process was rigorous and competitive, with only a few firms emerging successful.

Ekeh said the projects would provide reliable 24-hour electricity to rural communities for the first time, improving livelihoods, security and economic productivity.

According to him, Sea Solar Energy Limited alone expects to directly serve about 600 households, translating to nearly 3,000 beneficiaries.

He added that across the four communities, approximately 8,000 residents would benefit from solar systems with generation capacities ranging between 200 and 300 kilowatts peak.

Tension and grief have engulfed the Iluke Bunu community in Kogi State following a deadly bandit attack that reportedly claimed the life of the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke.

The Guardian gathered that the victim, identified as Mr. Gani Anifowose, was gruesomely killed during the attack carried out by armed bandits, Wednesday morning (today).

Residents say the community is currently under serious security threat as fear and panic continue to spread across the area.

In another disturbing development, reports indicate that students from three communities who were scheduled to sit for the English Language WAEC examination today have allegedly been kidnapped amid the insecurity ravaging the area.

The situation has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of students, teachers, and residents in vulnerable communities across Kogi State.

A representative of the community association called on security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently intensify efforts to restore peace, secure the affected communities, and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.

“An hour is gone and no sign of rescue efforts from the security agencies despite placing several calls for help. We urge citizens to remain calm and continue praying for divine intervention, protection, and lasting peace in our communities”.

Seven students of Ebonyi State College of Health Science and Technology, Ngbo, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were injured during a robbery attack by suspected gunmen at the school hostel.

Sources said the incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Tuesday as armed men broke into the students’ hostel and robbed them of their belongings.

It was also revealed that the school hostels have no fence or security post, making them porous for criminals to invade.

The spokesperson of the Ebonyi Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, in a phone call, said that upon receiving the information of the attack, operatives were mobilised immediately to track down the perpetrators.

Upon arriving at the scene, the criminals had escaped into the bush. Ukandu added that the police are actively trailing the criminals to apprehend them and recover stolen items.

Meanwhile, the injured students are receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

At the time of filing this report, the school authorities have yet to issue any official statement regarding the attack.

Monarch’s Death: Police Arrest Suspects

In the meantime, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi State Command, last week said they have arrested six suspects linked to the murder of HRH Eze Josephat Ikegwu, the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community in Onicha Local Government Area.

This was contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu.

According to him, the breakthrough followed a sustained intelligence-led investigation, which led to the arrest of the six suspects.

During the operation, police operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition.

Ukandu stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Okafor, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to justice, stating that “No individual involved in criminality will be allowed to evade justice.” (Channels)