Vice President Yemi Osinbajo flagged off the pilot project of a special intervention in energising markets as productive clusters at Isinkan market, Akure, the Ondo State capital. The federal government project being powered by the National Rural Electrification Agency and Ondo State Government’s Office of Public Utilities, was aimed at ensuring power supply in all markets across the state.
Osibanjo explained that the project will boost micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME-s) in the country. According to him, “We are focusing on major markets across the country to put an end to power problem. We are working at Ariria Market in Aba, likewise Sabongeri Market in Kano and we are focusing on markets in Lagos as well. We can see how excited the market women are judging by their testimonies.
“This technology is new and it is remotely monitored from the headquarters of the service providers. If anyone attempts to tamper with the meter it would be detected from the monitoring centre immediately and necessary action would be taken.” Osinbajo who was accompanied by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, however, promised the market women that the project would be extended to all other markets.
A team, comprising market women, state government representatives and a representative of the federal agency, was inaugurated by the Director General, National Rural Electrification Agency, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi and Engr. Ariyomo to ensure the safety of the gadgets. The team tagged Cluster Management Unit, has five members. According to the Iyaloja of Isinkan, Chief Bolarinwa Temidayo, the project is a solution to the main problem they have been facing for the past four years.