By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of a solar power project to supply 24 hours of electricity at the Nigerian Army Military Hospital in Benin City.
Obaseki, who spoke to journalists after the official inauguration of the project, said the facility will be delivered and commissioned within the next 60 days.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins said the government remains committed to proffering a lasting solution to the power problem in the State.
Earlier, the Director of Military Hospital, Benin, Brig. Gen. Pauline Olubunmi Aburime, who identified poor power supply as one of the greatest challenges facing the hospital said: “We explored all forms to ensure we have constant power supply. We wrote to the Military authority, met with Discos, and interacted with the Edo State Government to see how to prioritize power.”
“The state government agreed to kick start a solar project to support us and improve our electricity supply to the hospital which will surely improve our services. I thank the Edo State Government for their proactive response.
“The cost of energy, when reduced, will go a long way to help reduce the running cost in the facility. It will save the cost of diesel and will reduce the burden”, he said.
The Commander said, We have a mortuary, equipment and human resources here at the Military Hospital Benin, and energy (electricity) is required to run 24/7 services. There should not be downtime at all. This project here in this hospital is timely and needs to be approached with all sense of seriousness. I have no doubt at all in my mind that in the next 60 days, we should be close to commissioning this project.
On his part, Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Engr. Enaholo Ojiefo noted that the project is a collaborative effort between the Edo State Government and the Military, adding, “The Commander approached us to appeal to the State Government to work and collaborate with them. We see our people coming here, especially the pregnant women, who come for healthcare services. The governor instructed us to ensure we support them with constant electricity.”
