Long Goemai of the Goemai Nation His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Shaldas III has commended the Executive Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe for initiating a solar project aimed at addressing the electricity challenge in the local government.
It would be recalled that after more than a decade in darkness, Shendam Local Government is set to regain electricity with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a solar energy project which installations are already underway, marking a major steps toward restoring power to the community.
He applauded Nshe's commitment to improving the lives of Shendam's residents through innovative solutions and prioritizing the needs of the people to ensured that the long-standing challenge of power supply was addressed.
The monarch gave the commendation while speaking at his Palace in Shendam when the Council Chairman led the General Manager, Virtuitis Solaris Limited Ayodeji Oladeji on a courtesy visit to inform him of the solar project in his domain.
He urged Virtuitis Solaris Limited to ensure the project's swift implementation while calling for community's support and awareness to maximize its impact.
According to the traditional ruler, reliable electricity would not only improve living conditions but also boost small businesses, creating economic opportunities for the people of Shendam.
In the same vein, the Executive Chairman of Shendam LGA, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, described the situation as unacceptable, recalling a time when stable electricity was a norm. He lamented the irony of struggling with power in an era of technological advancement.
"I do n't need anybody to inform me about this issue. 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," he said.
"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".
Nshe stressed that the absence of electricity had forced many businesses to shut down or relocate, dealing a major blow to economic growth. He emphasized that power supply was just as fundamental to development as roads, markets, and raw materials.
While handing over the MoU and the Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) for the project, Nshe reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the solar energy initiative.
He noted that efforts to restore electricity had gone beyond Plateau State, with engagements in Abuja and Lagos to secure the project.
"If people in rural areas struggle to afford two meals a day yet still manage to pay for solar power, then surely, we in the urban centres should embrace this opportunity. This is why we have gone the extra mile, traveling not just within Plateau but to Abuja and Lagos, pushing to make this project a reality. Since August last year, we have worked tirelessly, and today, by the grace of God, we are seeing results," he explained.
The Council boss also expressed concerns about the long delay in restoring electricity, he assured residents that change was happening and called for community support to sustain the project.
"The traditional ruler rightly pointed out that four months is not enough to address years of neglect. People leave their villages for towns, expecting better conditions, not darkness. Over 130,000 people live here, and keeping them in the dark is unacceptable. The development has been long overdue, and we are committed to making a difference," he assured.
Meanwhile, the General Manager Virtuitis Solaris Limited, a Sister company of Mojec International Holdings Mr Ayodeji Oladeji, while Speaking at the Palace and during the handing over of land documents for the projects assured the traditional ruler and people of Shendam that the project would provide a sustainable, affordable, and reliable power supply.
He emphasized that 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.
Oladeji explained that a feasibility study had confirmed the viability of the project and that Shendam had been divided into four zones, each expected to receive one megawatt of power.
"We are starting the first phase with one megawatt, covering major areas within the town. As of today, 20 percent of the required equipment for this phase has already been deployed," he revealed.
He also assured residents that every household would receive a prepaid meter at no cost, eliminating cases of estimated billing and unfair charges.
"We do not take a single naira from anybody, and we will not ask for payment to install these meters. We have estimated the number of meters required and will provide them. There will be no cases of low supply and high charges—just a fair, transparent system where you pay only for what you use," he stated.
However Many have view the solar project to have come at the right time provide a sustainable solution to the electricity challenge in Shendam, saying by harnessing renewable energy, the local government can reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promote environmental sustainability
Our correspondent recalled that Hon. Nshe has a track record of implementing projects that benefit the community, such as the installation of over 400 boreholes to address water scarcity challenge during his earlier terms.
While many have described Hon. Nshe leadership style as inclusive, valuing the input and participation of all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth groups, and women's associations among others.
