The Ogun State government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to acquire a 9-megawatt hydro power plant located within the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority. This move aims to boost electricity supply across the state by leveraging renewable energy.

During an inspection of the facility, Governor Abiodun revealed that discussions with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) are underway to finalize the acquisition. He emphasized that integrating the hydro power plant with the state’s existing 30-megawatt gas-fired power plant in Onijanganjangan would create a more reliable and balanced energy mix, enhancing power distribution in Ogun State.

Commissioned in 1983, the hydro power plant has remained largely underutilized, despite its potential to support sustainable energy generation. The governor explained that the dam was originally designed for multiple purposes, including water management, irrigation, electricity generation, and agricultural development.

“Only one of the three turbines was ever commissioned, while the other two were never fully installed,” Abiodun noted. “We are actively working with the BPE to take over and fully optimize this power plant.”

As part of the Ogun State Light Up Project, engineers will soon assess the facility to determine the best approach for restoring its full capacity. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to establish power plants in key locations such as Abeokuta, Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa, ensuring more stable electricity access across the state.

Beyond electricity generation, the governor highlighted the immense agricultural potential of the River Basin. He suggested that the land could be developed into farm clusters to maximize irrigation benefits, further supporting food production. Additionally, he pointed out that the area is well-suited for cattle farming, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Food Initiative.

Governor Abiodun also commended the original vision behind the hydro power project but criticized the federal government’s inconsistency in project execution, which has led to the underutilization of key infrastructure.

Addressing concerns about frequent flooding in Isheri, he clarified that, according to the River Basin’s Managing Director, the dam is not responsible for the issue, which originates from other water sources.

This strategic acquisition marks a significant step toward Ogun State’s commitment to energy diversification and sustainable development.

The South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State that was declared by President Bola Tinubu.

The statement issued on Thursday was signed by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa, the state capital.

It reads , “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.”

The forum also called for dialogue as a path forward and encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the country.

The forum noted the six-month state of emergency and suspension of two democratic institutions as recognised the president’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the country as well as their mandate to secure peace and stability in their states.

to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy.  These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together. Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

In the circumstance,  having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th  March, 2025 and I so do.

By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.