The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to cutting the high cost of powering healthcare facilities by adopting clean, renewable, and sustainable solar energy across hospitals and primary health centres in the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, stated this on Thursday during the official launch of the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) and the inauguration of the State Steering and Technical Working Committee in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Okubadejo said the initiative would guarantee uninterrupted power supply in healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, reduce carbon emissions, promote environmental sustainability, and create jobs through the training of solar technicians and maintenance teams.

“This project addresses a critical gap by providing clean, renewable, and sustainable solar power to health facilities across our state.
It will ensure uninterrupted service delivery, particularly in rural communities where the need is most critical. With this intervention, our health centres will not only have light, they will have life,” he said.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, decried the over ₦100 million spent monthly by state and general hospitals on diesel and fuel, noting that such funds could be redirected to essential drugs, staff training, and community outreach.

She stressed that reliable power supply was the backbone of modern healthcare, adding that “no surgery can be performed, no vaccine safely stored, and no delivery conducted efficiently without steady electricity.”

Coker revealed that while one in every six Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the state had already been solar-powered, the NISHP, supported by the European Union (EU), would extend solar power to 40 additional PHCs across Ogun.

Project Manager for Green Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, lauded the Ogun State Government for its early and strong commitment to the programme, noting that Ogun was among five participating states — alongside Plateau, Enugu, Abia, and Akwa Ibom — chosen for their readiness to host the project.

He explained that the initiative would deliver solar micro-grid solutions to public health facilities, improving healthcare delivery and boosting climate resilience in underserved communities.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Mrs. Damilola Otunbanjo, described the project as “another remarkable achievement” for Ogun, noting that nearby SMEs would also benefit from access to clean energy.

“This ensures that the power illuminating hospitals also supports small businesses,” she said.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Mr. Babajide Onakoya, charged members of the committees to carry out their duties with innovation, accountability, and commitment.

The State Steering Committee inaugurated comprises Mr. Dapo Okubadejo (Chairman), Olaolu Olabimtan (Vice Chairman), Damilola Otunbanjo (Secretary), Dr. Tomi Coker, Jagunmolu Akande, Adebola Sofela, and Babajide Onakoya.

Members of the Technical Working Committee include Olaolu Olabimtan, Damilola Otunbanjo, Olubola Aikuola, Kayode Oladeinde, Muritala Akekunle, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, Akinyemi Otenuga, Tade Adeniyi, and Kehinde Akintomide, among others.