Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has assured that the memorandum of understanding signed with the Rural Electrification Agency regarding the state’s rural electrification project will guarantee a 24-hour power supply in the state. The governor signed the MOU during the Rural Electrification Roundtable organised by REA, which he attended in FCT Abuja before traveling to the UK.

The REA is a federal government body that provides off-grid solutions, especially solar-powered mini-grids, to underserved and unserved communities nationwide. The push for a 24-hour power supply in Akwa Ibom State comes amid growing calls for improved electricity access in Nigeria.

Upon his return from the UK, Eno told Government House correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport that the Power Summit scheduled for September 18 and 19, in collaboration with REA, would bring power to unserved and underserved communities not linked to the national grid. He said the summit is a prelude to achieving a 24/7 reliable power supply for Akwa Ibomites.

Eno explained that the state is working with REA, which has funding to bring power to communities that cannot be linked to the national grid. During his UK visit, he met with British-based boxing champion Moses Itauma and the Mayor of Islington, Utiofon Jackson, and expressed the good wishes of the Akwa Ibom people on their achievements.

The governor encouraged Akwa Ibom youths to emulate these role models by upholding the virtue of hard work, dedication, and commitment in their pursuit of excellence. He emphasized the importance of celebrating and supporting Akwa Ibom indigenes who excel in their chosen fields.

For Akwa Ibom, improved electricity supply is critical to spurring economic growth, reducing reliance on diesel generators, and enhancing the ease of doing business. The administration’s promise of round-the-clock electricity aligns with the state’s aspirations for industrialisation, job creation, and global competitiveness.