GANMO POWER PROJECT: A Timely Elixir

In Nigeria the months preceding December 2008 were not quite pleasant months to remember in the troubled energy sector of the economy.   It was a period the crisis in the energy sector peaked to a phenomenally embarrassing level as power supply nationwide ebbed to an all-time low, oscillating between 1,800MW and 2,400MW.   As the energy crisis appeared to have defiled all known solutions, the economy of the entire nation was almost literally lying on its belly.   It was such a desperate situation that rigorously tasked the leaders as well as the led.   Something urgently needed to be done to safe Nigeria from the nightmarish experience. 

Just about this time as if it was meant to be a Christmas gift to the people of Kwara State, the Ganmo Power Project commenced operation.   And like a replenished hurricane lamp, the entire power supply in the State was rekindled, regaining full power supply in the State life.   It has never looked back since then. 

In the last one decade or so, there has been a legion suggested solutions to the enduring energy crisis that has chased many investors out of business.   The crippling effects of the crisis tell the story better with the mortality rate and emigration of industries out of the inclement zone that Nigeria had suddenly become. 
   
But the premier interventionist initiative of Governor Bukola Saraki, as typified by the Ganmo Power Project, has radically changed the story.   Located in Ganmo, a sleepy neigbouring community of Ilorin, the power project has since asserted itself as an instant success as it has become an influential reference point in our collective attempt as a nation to solve the sectoral problem. 

Before the commencement of the Ganmo Power Project, Kwara State energy needs were precariously sustained (like other states of the federation) on a meager 40MW.   Then, the state?s power supply absolutely depended on supplies from Jebba (in Kwara State) and Oshogbo (in Osun State) power stations.   However, the story has changed for better since 2008 December when the power station was energized.   

Ganmo Power Complex in view 











The Ganmo Power Project by conception and execution has comprehensively addressed the immediate and future needs of the State, taking into cognizance the projected power needs of a modern industrialized State.   The configuration of the power station complex itself is robust and amorphous with state-of-the-art equipment to optimize its functioning.   Its working capacity is 2x150MVA and 2x60MVA 330/132KV. 

Presently, there are six energized lines, but only three of it are actively in use.   The three lines in use supply Idofian, Igbaja, Oke-Ode, Gbuugbuu; Agba Dam, Gaa Imam, Asa Dam, Dangote, Adewole Estate, Airport Area.   The other three lines are waiting to be used as the on-going expansion and distribution works are completed. 

Out of the 300MVA presently generated, the power consumption level of the State has just increased from the initial 40MVA to 100MVA.   Apart from the convenient balance of the 200MVA still latent, there is plan in the power complex for another 300MVA for anticipated future increase in the power consumption of the State.   In other words, the complex can still serve well over 200% of the state?s present power needs.   According to one of the resident engineers, working in the complex, ?in engineering there are usually the 5 years and 15 years forecast, which accommodates any anticipated increases?.   The present capacity of the station is configured to accommodate the needs of the state even beyond this projected period.   Thus, available supply to the state presently stands variously at 5, 12, 15, 25, 50, 60, 80MW.   Alternative supply routes are still Omu-Aran, Offa, Oshogbo and challenge (Ilorin) District. 

The twin supply sources however remain Kainji and Oshogbo; the National control centres that links the state to the national grid.   Some parts of the state, especially in Ilorin metropolis presently enjoy uninterrupted 20 hours power supply; this is, indeed, quite salutary.   There is the assurance from the power holdings company of Nigeria(PHCN), an active partner in the Ganmo power project that others will enjoy even more by the time the distribution networking presently on-going is completed.   The instant improvement in power supply now enjoyed by customers in Adewole Esate and Airport area is as a result of the construction of the Adeta and Agba Dam substations. 

Interestingly, the Ganmo power project has changed the status of Kwara state from the vampiric club of consumer states to a reckoned benefactor.   The station presently supplies Offa, Oshogbo and others as the need arises. 

The benefit of this project which occupies the pilot position in contemporary Nigeria is inestimable.   It is particularly so for a country that is genuinely working assiduously to join 20 most industrialized nations globally, by the year 2020. 
In its host community, Ganmo the effect of this power project is profound.   Because of unarguably stable power supply, the socio economic lives of this hitherto sedate community have been ignited.   Living Standard generally has been graciously elevated. 
Kwara state, more than ever before presently witness an unprecedented influx of investors of different shades and carriage.   Power stability among other related indices has made Kwara investor?s destination. 

The resultant effect of this is that the State is presently bristling with activities.   The Ganmo power project has become the proverbial elixir, a life-giving tonic that revived lives in Kwara State.   Other States of the federation are now green with envy and have since been coming for a blueprint so as to replicate the wonders in their respective domains. 
 
Industrialists Commend Stable Power Supply In Kwara State

Mr.   Arowolo Johnson,
Personnel/Admin Manager,
Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company Nig.   Ltd, Ilorin. 
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We at Tuyil will forever be grateful to the Governor Bukola Saraki administration for its initiative in the area of stabilizing power supply in the state.   This has paid off greatly. 

Before the Ganmo Power Project came, we consumed nothing less than 10 drums of diesel monthly.   But now with unprecedented stable power supply, we hardly use one drum of diesel within the same period.   This is quite salutary. 

We have many reasons to be grateful to the present administration: Apart from the fact that private power generation for industries is capital intensive, we have also since discovered that the use of generator often adversely affect our machines.   Only a stable power supply ensured by the PHCN is good for the health of our machines. 

The stable power supply has also increased our production level and has equally broadened our market base.   We have developed from about five products at inception to about 82 products presently.   We also have about 22 depots across the country. 

We expect that very soon the cargo terminal will take off so as to reduce the challenges we face in transporting our cargos from the Lagos port by road. 


Mr.   Mokeke Jude,
Human Resources/Admin Manager,
Dangote Flour Mills, Ilorin. 

Power supply has improved since early last year (2009).   And you will agree with me that that was when the Ganmo Power Station was energized.   This improvement is incontrovertible as even the most incurable cynic will admit this phenomenal improvement. 

Our reliance on the PHCN power supply is quite on the high side because of our operations.   Now our reliance rate on the PHCN power is about 88%.   We use our generators sparingly to source for the remaining 12%. 

The private sector community of the Nigerian economy has positively identified Kwara State as an emerging investors? destination with great potentials still waiting to be tapped.   This is why companies, industries are presently trooping to the state. 

Stable power supply and a secured atmosphere which have become Kwara State?s middle names are great assets in industrial circle. 

This new regime of stable power supply has helped our production level.   Presently, we are increasing our production level from 500 tons to 1,000 tons daily.   This development has its multiple advantages for us as a company ? increase in output and turnover, and increase in number of factory hands needed ? which are drawn from the host communities. 

This present government has done very well.   We only hope the next administration will be able to sustain this high level performance. 

Engr.   Yahaya Hussein,
KAM WILL Industry Nig.   Ltd,
Asa Dam, Road, Ilorin. 

I must be honest with you, we are grateful to the Governor Bukola Saraki administration.   He has done commendably well on the issue of power supply.   Power Supply has improved significantly since the commissioning of the Ganmo Power Project.   We particularly started experiencing this in January this year.   Before January 2010, we used to enjoy power supply between 15 to 17 hours daily.   But now, it has hopped up to between 22 to 23 hours daily.   You will agree with me that in the Nigeria of today, this is quite significant. 

The development has also drastically cut down on our diesel consumption often needed to power our generators in times of power outage which were incessant before January this year.   But we must add that we still occasionally experience fluctuations, which we learnt is being attended to.   And in domestic power supply, there is still more to be done in the area of distribution as some areas in Ilorin are still being subjected to shifts.   For instance, where I live in Ilorin enjoys electricity between 8 to 10 hours daily.   But admittedly, power supply has improved appreciably. 

?And The Saw Millers Too. 

Mallam Ibrahim Isa,
Irewolede Saw Mill,
Ilorin

We are presently enjoying a steady power supply like never before.   I have been in the saw milling business for about 40 years now.   The regular power supply we enjoy in this place presently is unprecedented. 

The volume of business is so much that we, at times, turn back customers because we work from dawn to dusk.   However, this wouldn?t have been possible without a stable power supply. 

Here we enjoy everything - a brand new, high powered transformer, stable power supply; all these have combined to engender a boom in business for us.   We cannot thank Governor Bukola Saraki enough.   We wish it were possible to prolong the tenure of this administration for another fresh term.   However, we pray the coming administration will be able to sustain this laudable legacy of Governor Saraki. 

Source: Kwara State Government Website

This is a welcome development. With this Kwara people will be glad to reckon with their governor.

Hopefuly Governors of other states in Nigeria will emulate this.