By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy has commenced the payment of compensation to the affected communities in the Maikunkele of Bosso Local Government Area of the state.
The compensation is being paid to communities whose farmlands will be used for the development of a 100-megawatt solar power project in Maikunkele.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy Ahmed Shehu and made available to Journalists on Monday in Minna
The statement added that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Muhammad Gana, described the solar power project as a significant development for Maikunkele and Niger State as a whole.
Dr. Gana said that upon completion, the project would improve electricity supply, revenue generation and contribute significantly and provision of some basic amenities like schools, primary health care among others and improve economic activities in the area.
He appealed to the affected communities to see the project as an opportunity for development rather than a setback.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bosso Local Government Area, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Laka, described the project as an opportunity for young people in the area to benefit from employment opportunities and improved infrastructure, in line with the development agenda of the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago.
Hon. Laka urged the affected communities, particularly those who have received compensation, to continue supporting the government to ensure the successful completion of the 100-megawatt solar power project.
The District Head of Maikunkele, Alhaji Suleiman Abdullahi Dada, also appealed to those claiming that the government had taken over their farmlands to reconsider such claims.
He said the government had done the right thing by compensating the affected landowners.
Representing the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Dr. Umar Faruq Bahago, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Dallatu Minna said the 100-megawatt solar power project would contribute to economic development and create employment opportunities for people in Maikunkele and Niger State as a whole.
He called on residents of the area to support the government to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries of the compensation, Musa Jimuti, expressed appreciation to the Niger State Government under the leadership of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for fulfilling its commitment to compensate those affected by the project.
Jimuti also appealed to the government to give the youths of the area opportunities to secure jobs during the construction and implementation of the solar power project.
