The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has commissioned two hybrid mini-grids with a total capacity of 200 kW for the Oloyan and Sule camp communities in Ovia South Local Government Area and Ovia North East of Edo State, respectively.
The Nigerian Tribune reports that Oloyan, an agrarian settlement in Edo State that has been without electricity for over three decades, now has access to 100 kW of electricity.
Similarly, the Sule Camp community, also without electricity for 30 years, has been provided with 100 kW of power.
During the commissioning ceremony, REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar Aliyu highlighted that these mini-grids are part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote rural electrification through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).
Represented by the agency’s Executive Director, Engr. Doris Uboh Aliyu emphasised that the Rural Electrification Fund is a crucial mechanism designed to bring sustainable energy access to rural communities, thereby fostering developmental impact.
Aliyu noted that many rural communities across the nation have been held back by energy poverty, which hinders their progress.
He stated that the decision to establish the mini-off-grid systems in these communities was influenced by the economic viability of the areas, particularly their critical agricultural activities.
“It is evident that our interventions in unserved and underserved communities are serving as catalysts for truly sustainable development, in line with the objectives of the Federal Government.
“The off-grid, renewable energy ecosystem in Nigeria will continue to be a driving force for the Nigerian economy,” said Aliyu.
Aliyu further explained that the commissioning of the two mini-grids in the Oloyan and Sule camp communities brings the total number of mini-grids in the state to three, with one already commissioned in the Adebayo community two years ago.
To ensure the sustainability of these projects, a committee comprising members from the communities where the projects were sited has been established. This committee will take responsibility for the projects and provide security to protect the infrastructure.
Aliyu highlighted that the agency focused on rural communities because urban areas have historically received more attention, leaving rural areas neglected for far too long.
He emphasised that the president’s renewed hope agenda is specifically aimed at addressing the needs of communities that have been overlooked for many years.
He noted that the benefiting communities had existed for 21 and 30 years without electricity.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ozigbo Esere of the State Rural Electrification Agency commended the REA for its commitment to bringing sustainable energy solutions to communities in the state.
He noted that innovative infrastructure like the mini-grids is essential for the growth and prosperity of the people of Edo State.
The governor also praised the initiative as a reflection of the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the transformative 2023 Electricity Act, which he said has laid a solid foundation for a brighter energy future in Nigeria.
On behalf of the communities, Kolawole Olusegun, Baale of the Oloyan community, and Asimiyu Kareen, Baale of the Sule camp community, expressed their gratitude.
They noted that the project would significantly enhance their socio-economic activities, stating, “The installation of this electricity project has made us believe in the promises of the Federal Government.
“It is a sign that the government has not forgotten the rural people.”
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