The Executive Chairman of Shendam LGA, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, addressing newsmen
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State is set to regain electricity after 12 years of power shortage, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a solar energy project.
Installation of equipment has commenced, marking a significant step toward restoring power to the area.
The Executive Chairman of Shendam LGA, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, described the prolonged power shortage as unacceptable, emphasizing that reliable electricity is fundamental to development.
“There’s no one who needs 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 without stable electricity for 12 years. That is nothing short of a crisis.”
He stressed that the absence of reliable electricity had forced many businesses to shut down or relocate, stalling economic growth in the area.
According to him, power supply is as essential as roads, markets, and raw materials in driving development.
While handing over the MoU and the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the project, Nshe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring its successful execution. He noted that engagements to restore electricity had extended beyond Plateau State to Abuja and Lagos.
“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 township 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.
Acknowledging concerns about the long delay in addressing the power shortage, he assured residents that efforts were ongoing 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 without reliable electricity is unacceptable. Development has been long overdue, and we are committed to making a difference,” he assured.
The General Manager of Virtutis Solaris Limited, a sister company of Mojec International Holdings, Mr. Ayodeji Oladeji, assured the people of Shendam that the solar 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, with Shendam 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 estimated billing.
“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.
The Long Goemai of the Goemai Nation, His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, lauded the local government chairman for prioritizing the needs of the people and taking steps to address the long-standing power shortage. He described the solar power project as a much-needed solution and urged Virtutis Solaris Limited to ensure swift implementation while calling for community support and awareness to maximize its impact.
According to him, reliable electricity would not only improve living conditions but also boost small businesses and create economic opportunities for the people of Shendam.
