Lagos — STATE government is set to officially launch its first solar energy project, estimated to cost N10 million. It is located at Kodji village in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.

Commissioner for Science and Technology Dr Hamzat Kadiri, who made the disclosure while briefing the press on the activities of his ministry as part of the on-going ministerial press briefing, described the project as an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of fossil fuels to generate power would be established in 10 other rural communities areas of the state before the end of the year.

The commissioner who explained that it would have cost the state government about N150 million to connect the area to the national grid stressed that the state government spent N10 million for the provision of solar energy in the village.

Dr. Hamzat noted that the solar energy would serve the 5,000 population of people from the riverine area who are mainly farmers and fishermen.

He explained further that the tropical climate of all- year round sunshine in Nigeria coupled with inconsistent electricity makes solar energy the most viable alternative source of renewable energy.

He added that his ministry in collaboration with the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) had identified the cultivation of some common medicinal plants for the promotion of herbal medicine in the state.

Dr. Hamzat announced that the botanical garden situated at Ito-Ikin, Ikosi/Ejirin development area would facilitate the setting up of a gene bank and seed bank for this purpose.

"The centre will be useful for the study of traditional medicinal plants and serve as reference point for practitioners , researchers and students," he said.

Dr. Hamzat also announced that his ministry was partnering with a university don on the development of thaumatin, a protein from plant to replace sugar cane as a sweetener for food.