Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Friday, launched a 620 kW small hydropower-solar PV hybrid system project at Balanga Dam in Balanga Local Government Area.

The hybrid system, which combines small hydropower and solar photovoltaic technologies, aims to deliver clean and reliable electricity to communities in Balanga.

It is also intended to stimulate local enterprise, improve living standards, and support national goals on green industrialisation and sustainable development.

Represented by his deputy, Manassah Jatau, Mr Yahaya described the project as a milestone in the state’s push for energy security and rural electrification.

He said the launch aligned with his administration’s broader agenda of infrastructural development, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.

“This project is both timely and strategic. It reflects our vision of self-reliance, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” the governor said.

He added that power remains vital to modern development and that the hybrid system will transform lives, boost agriculture, and improve living standards in Balanga.

He said the project is funded by the European Union (EU), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the federal government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

It is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in partnership with local and international stakeholders.

Mr Yahaya thanked all partners for their commitment and praised Balanga residents for their support, urging them to take full ownership of the project.

“You are the direct beneficiaries. Protect it, use it wisely, and allow it to improve your lives economically, educationally, and environmentally,” he urged the community.

The REA managing director, Abba Aliyu, described the project as a model for clean energy deployment in rural parts of Nigeria.

He said the agency would complete the solar component within a month while commending Mr Yahaya’s role in securing the state’s participation.

Mr Aliyu also praised the governor for positioning Gombe State to benefit from the federal government’s $750 million rural electrification programme.

UNIDO regional director Philbert Johnson said the project would boost agricultural productivity and accelerate economic development in the region.

Mr Johnson noted that Gombe is the first Nigerian state to benefit from the initiative and applauded Yahaya for his counterpart funding and commitment.

He added that the small hydropower component would be completed by January 2026, making the project the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The Bala Waja, Mohammed Mohammed, described the launch as historic for a community long deprived of electricity, pledging full support from the chiefdom. 

(NAN)