![Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. [PHOTO CREDIT: This Day News]](https://crediblenewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Adebayo-Adelabu.png)
The Federal Government has commissioned the first phase of a 400kW solar photovoltaic power plant at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu, aiming to strengthen healthcare delivery and promote renewable energy adoption.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu—represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mamuda Mamman—described the project as a milestone under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on energy reform.
He noted that the initiative demonstrates the administration’s resolve to make energy access a fundamental right, particularly for underserved and remote communities.
“This solar power plant reaffirms our commitment to delivering sustainable and inclusive energy solutions for socioeconomic growth,” Adelabu stated. “It will ensure the hospital operates efficiently with clean and reliable electricity for essential services like surgeries, medical equipment, and vaccine storage.”
Adelabu emphasized the project’s alignment with the Electricity Act 2023, which promotes decentralized renewable energy systems and incentives for private-sector investment in clean energy solutions, including Feed-in Tariffs.
He reiterated that energy security is crucial to national development, especially in critical sectors like healthcare, and affirmed the ministry’s plan to scale the project from 400kW to 1MW. Similar solar interventions are being planned for hospitals, schools, and key infrastructure across the country.
READ ALSO: Residents urge IKEDC to restore power supply
“This is just the beginning,” Adelabu added. “Our goal is to ensure essential institutions are powered with clean, reliable energy.”
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy Alhaji Idi Gubana, praised the federal government’s initiative, saying the solar plant would significantly cut operational costs and enhance healthcare service delivery.
“The Yobe State University Teaching Hospital has grown from a 250-bed to a 750-bed facility. This solar plant supports our goal of providing uninterrupted power for modern medical equipment and patient care,” Buni said.
He also outlined other state-led healthcare reforms, including the launch of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency and the upgrade of nine health centres to general hospitals.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, said the solar installation would also power the Senator Mamman Ali Maternal and Child Health Complex, which houses cutting-edge equipment like MRI and 3D ultrasound machines.
“This project reflects the strong synergy between the state and federal governments in transforming public health infrastructure,” he added.
NAN
