Cross River Govt Applauds Church’s Solar Project While Public Institutions Suffer Power Outages

The Cross River State Government has thrown its weight behind the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) for its 245 kW solar power system, sparking debates over the state’s energy priorities.

During a pre-commissioning inspection of the project in Calabar on Monday, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, praised the church for its commitment to renewable energy. He described the initiative as a “model corporate social responsibility project” and urged other organizations to follow suit.

However, critics have questioned why the government is celebrating a religious group’s solar project while many public institutions and communities in the state remain without stable electricity.

Williams further claimed that the system would enhance security in the area by reducing crime by 70%, a statement that some residents found questionable.

Meanwhile, the Head of Electrical at BCS, Odilanma Onya, confirmed that the hybrid system has already started supplying power, reducing energy costs and dependence on the national grid.

While the Otu administration touts this as a major step in its renewable energy agenda, some observers argue that the government should focus on ensuring stable power for hospitals, schools, and low-income communities before commending private initiatives.