Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has said the State will collaborate with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an agency of the Federal Government, to deepen access to electricity, especially in the rural areas of the state, in line with the ARISE Agenda. The Governor made this known during a courtesy visit by a delegation from REA, led by its Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, recently at Government House, Uyo. Governor Eno who said electricity was very critical in the actualisation of the ARISE Agenda, appreciated the management of REA for its interest to partner with the State Government and expressed hope for a robust collaboration.

In his presentation, Aliyu said the visit was to explore strategic pathways for energy-driven development in the State.

He presented an overview of the Agency’s 12 core programmes, with particular emphasis on the ongoing construction of a 2.9MW solar hybrid power plant at the University of Uyo under the Energizing Education Programme Phase III (EEP III).

He commended the Governor for his comprehensive and visionary development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, which he said, aligns directly with REA’s nationwide mandate to bridge the energy access gap and drive inclusive socio-economic growth through decentralised renewable energy solutions.

REA was established with the mandate to increase access to electricity by bridging the energy access deficit in Nigeria.