In its ceaseless bid to provide access to electricity for unserved and underserved citizenry, The Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode (MOK) Foundation on Tuesday installed solar-powered street lights in Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State.
According to the Foundation, the gesture was more of a social service to mitigate the environmental and economic challenges of the community.
Mr. Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode, the founder of the MOK Foundation said the project is part of his initiatives to provide lighting free of charge to the public.
Represented by Mr. Saheed Lawal, he said: “as a non-governmental organization, we saddle ourselves with many interventional projects for the betterment of the people. We have many projects from health to agriculture, to education and commerce so as to encourage small scale businesses.
“The installation of the solar-powered in Owode market was inspired by security consciousness. We were made to understand that the downstream of the market is an hub of activities especially for people who come from neighbouring places to sell their wares in the market, especially a day or two to market day. This being a common knowledge, some unscrupulous elements in the society use this opportunity to steal from these market people due to nightfall. MOK Foundation moves to end this nefarious activity by installing solar-powered street light.
“Alhaji Muhydeen Okunlola moved to ameliorate this, hence this project. We installed five solar-powered Street light today. Our engagement with Owode market people make us to realize we will do more. We will do more to help our market grow. And I’m happy that our people show gratitude towards the project. We were hailed and they gave us the needed information and cooperation.”
He furthermore appealed to the governments at all levels to bridge energy supply to underserved and off-grid communities.
Speaking on behalf of the market people, Mr. Sarafadeen Afolabi appreciated MOK Foundation for such insightful project.
In his words, “we thank the founder of the Foundation. We want this kind of project in Offa. May God continue to bless him and be with him in his all his endeavours. We pray for more people that will do more for the community.”