At the Seventh Day Adventist General Conference Annual Council held on October 15, 2024, Adedeji Adeleke, a prominent industrialist and layperson from the West-Central Africa Division, revealed the ongoing construction of Nigeria’s largest thermal power plant. The 1,250 MW facility, valued at $2 billion, will significantly boost the country’s energy capacity once completed.
Adeleke, who is the chairman of Pacific Energy, shared insights into the challenges faced during the project, including difficulties in securing environmental permits. He recounted his encounter with government officials who doubted the project’s feasibility, with one official even declaring that it would never “see the light of day.” Determined to overcome these obstacles, Adeleke said, “I went on my knees and prayed to God because I did not want to accept the government official’s statement as the final say.”
The power plant, located in a village in Ondo State, has already provided over 1,000 jobs to local residents. Adeleke also highlighted the collaboration between his firm and Chinese engineering companies to ensure the successful design and construction of the plant. The project, which involves turbines costing around $72 million, was delayed when thieves stole components worth $5 million. However, Adeleke expressed optimism, stating that the project is now nearing completion.
This is not the first time Adeleke has spoken about the power plant. He previously discussed the project at Adeleke University’s 9th graduation ceremony in July 2023, where he emphasized the plant’s potential to improve local economies and drive development.
With the power plant nearing its final stages, Adeleke’s vision for sustainable energy in Nigeria continues to take shape, positioning the country for a brighter and more energy-secure future.
