Ogun State has again shown interest in cutting the high cost of powering hospitals by switching to clean solar energy across its health facilities.
This position was restated during the official unveiling of the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) and the inauguration of the Steering and Technical Working Committee in Abeokuta, on the 30th of October, 2025.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, explained that the goal is to boost uninterrupted healthcare services, reduce carbon output, protect the environment, and create jobs for young people through the training of solar experts.
He stated, “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.”
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, shared concerns about the huge expenditure on power, noting that state and general hospitals spend more than N100m monthly on diesel and fuel. She argued that such funds could go into drugs, manpower development, and outreach programmes.
She pointed out that healthcare depends on steady power supply, stressing that surgeries, vaccine storage, and safe delivery services cannot function without reliable electricity.
Coker added that while solar power had already been installed in one out of every six Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the state, the European Union-backed NISHP would bring solar electricity to forty more PHCs.
In his remarks, the Project Manager for Green Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, praised the state for supporting the programme from the beginning. He said Ogun is one of five committed states, alongside Plateau, Enugu, Abia, and Akwa Ibom.
Ogbemudia explained that the Solar for Health Project will deploy micro-grid solar systems to public health centres to support service delivery and strengthen climate resilience in areas that lack stable electricity.
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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Damilola Otunbanjo, described the initiative as a major win for the state. She noted that nearby small businesses will also benefit from clean energy.
“This ensures that the power illuminating hospitals also supports small businesses,” she said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Energy, Babajide Onakoya, charged the committee handling the project to carry out their duties with transparency, innovation, and a clear sense of responsibility.
The State Steering Committee consists of Mr. Dapo Okubadejo as chairman, Olaolu Olabimtan as vice chairman, and Damilola Otubanjo as secretary. Other members are Dr Tomi Coker, Jagunmolu Akande, Adebola Sofela, and Babajide Orakoya.
Members of the Technical Working Committee include Olaolu Olabimtan, Damilola Otubanjo, Olubola Aikuola, Kayode Oladeinde, Muritala Akekunle, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, Akinyemi Otenuga, Tade Adeniyi, Kehinde Akintomide, and others.