Chairman of Shendam local government area of Plateau State, Hon. Kemi Nshe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Virtuitis Solaris Limited for a solar electricity project aimed at addressing the electricity problem in the area which has been without electricity for over 12 years.
Hon. Nshe while speaking during the handing over of the Certificate of Occupancy to Virtuitis Solaris Limited described the situation as unacceptable as lack of electricity had forced many businesses to shut down or relocate from Shendam.
“Over 130,000 people live here, and keeping them in darkness is unacceptable. The development has been long overdue, and we are committed to making a difference,” he assured.
He said the near absence of electricity had dealt a big blow to the socio-economic growth of the area while reaffirming his commitment to ensure the successful implementation of the solar energy initiative.
“When we were growing up, electricity was constant. Even in school, after prep, we would return to our hostels, heat our water and have our meals before bed without worrying about power. Light was free and available.
“But today, in the 21st century—an era of technological advancement, we are still struggling with something as basic as electricity. Naturally, we should have power without question, yet here we are, with a local government headquarters that has been in darkness for 12 years,” he said.
He urged Virtuitis Solaris Limited to ensure the project’s swift implementation while calling for the community’s support and awareness to maximise its impact.
The Long Goemai of Goemai, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III applauded Nshe’s commitment to improving the lives of Shendam’s residents through innovative solutions and prioritising the needs of the people to ensure that the long-standing challenge of power supply was addressed.
The general manager of Virtuitis Solaris Limited, a Sister company of Mojec International Holdings, Mr Ayodeji Oladeji, said access to electricity was a fundamental right, not a luxury, and that the project was designed to put power directly in the hands of the people.
