Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is set to roll out a solar empowerment programme that will provide renewable energy solutions to 1,000 businesses across the state’s 18 local government areas.

The initiative, known as Lucky Light, is one of the administration’s economic empowerment programmes and is aimed at addressing the high cost and unreliable supply of electricity affecting small and medium-scale enterprises. Under the scheme, selected beneficiaries will receive solar panels, inverter units, battery storage facilities, charge controllers and installation support.

The programme will be implemented in phases over five years, with beneficiaries drawn from sectors including agro-processing, fashion, food production, retail, ICT, digital services and the creative industry.

According to the implementation framework, the initiative aligns with the governor’s OUR EASE Agenda, particularly its focus on energy access, entrepreneurship development, industrial growth and economic prosperity.

Experts project that businesses benefiting from the programme could reduce energy costs by up to 70 per cent while increasing productivity and operating hours by between 30 and 60 per cent.

The initiative is also expected to support job creation, strengthen local enterprise ecosystems and improve service delivery by providing reliable electricity for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Economic projections indicate that the Lucky Light Initiative could generate more than N2 billion in additional annual economic value while encouraging the adoption of clean energy solutions and reducing reliance on fuel-powered generators.

Officials said the long-term goal is to establish a sustainable model for business empowerment, improve investor confidence and enhance the ease of doing business across Ondo State.

Entrepreneurs and business owners have expressed optimism that the programme will provide the energy support needed to expand operations, create jobs and strengthen local economies. (Arise News)

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