Youths in Ondo State have praised Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande for advancing a renewable energy streetlight project across urban and rural areas. The initiative, coordinated under the Coalition of Ondo Emerging Leaders (COEL), has seen the installation of hundreds of solar-powered streetlights in multiple communities. Oluseye Akintunde, chairman of COEL, confirmed that 100 lights were installed in Obiringba Town off Irese Road, 50 in Ogun Ajobo Community, 33 in Shagari Village, and 50 more along Irese Road. An additional 233 lights have been fixed near the Police Headquarters SIB–Seat of Wisdom Catholic Schools area in Alagbaka, with another 233 deployed in Imafon Community.
Inner-city neighborhoods including Odopetu, Odige, Oke Padi, Otutubiosun, Igboliki, Ijeminkin, Irowo, and Hospital Lane have also received 233 lights. Akintunde stated the project has improved nighttime visibility, boosted security, and enhanced the quality of life for residents. He described the minister's engagement with youths as transformative, providing long-term opportunities. "The minister's efforts continue to change communities in the state with these renewable energy streetlights. This is a bold and forward-thinking project that not only enhances security but also encourages sustainable development," Akintunde said. The coalition called for expansion of the project to reach more communities, citing lighting as vital for safety and economic activity.
Ayodele Olawande's streetlight project is one of the few federal interventions in Ondo State with visible, measurable impact on daily life. By installing over 900 solar streetlights in targeted locations, he has set a standard for how ministry resources can be used without fanfare or federal fanfare. Most politicians talk about youth empowerment while funding events; Olawande is funding visibility, safety, and night-time mobility. If this pace continues, it may quietly redefine what effective ministerial presence looks like in Nigeria.
