The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has launched the installation of 500 solar-powered street lights in Iwo as part of a rural electrification initiative.

The project, tagged “Light Up Osun,” was flagged off on Wednesday, with Oyebamiji represented by his wife, Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji.

She said the initiative is aimed at improving security, boosting economic activities and providing illumination for rural communities across the state.

According to her, the project reflects Oyebamiji’s commitment to grassroots development and improving the living conditions of residents in rural areas.

She added that Iwo was selected as the pilot location, noting that the initiative would later be extended to other towns and communities across Osun State.

The Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the APC Campaign Council, Remi Omowaiye, described the project as the first phase of a broader rural electrification programme.

He said solar street lights and poles had already been procured for installation in villages and other rural communities across the state.

“This is a pilot scheme targeted at rural areas. In the first phase, we are installing about 500 solar lights as part of our plan for the implementation of the Electricity Act and to improve electricity access across the state,” Omowaiye said.

He added that the project is being fully funded by Oyebamiji, who directed that the installation of the street lights should commence immediately.