According to the Japanese ambassador, the solar energy project fell under the scheme of Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project of his country. The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yukata Kikuta, who spoke when he paid a visit to Imo State to install the donation of 100 solar-powered street lights worth over N31 million (US$86,241) to Ezeagbogu in Ezinihitte Mbaise Council Area of Imo State by the Japanese government said that his country was committed to helping the Nigerian economy.
He informed that in the last 20 years, the Asian country had funded over 170 projects in various parts of Nigeria.
The diplomat said the projects were worth over 12 million US dollars.
Kikuta said that his country in partnership with a technology company, Koyo Corporation and Development Dynamics, a non-governmental organization had commenced training of youths in the maintenance of the project and would in two years time, trained about 100 youths in various fields of technology.
Kituka said, “Japan is strongly committed to supporting Nigeria as declared at the sixth Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development TICAD VI.The Embassy of Japan hopes that this assistance will contribute to the improvement of safety in the community and will strengthen the amicable relationship between Japan and Nigeria.”