The Federal Government has successfully commissioned two hybrid mini-grids, with a combined capacity of 200 kilowatts, to serve the Oloyan and Sule Camp communities in Edo State’s Ovia South and Ovia North East Local Government Areas. The commissioning took place on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to provide sustainable energy to underserved rural areas.<\/p>\n
The project was undertaken by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) as part of its ongoing initiative to expand access to electricity in Nigeria’s rural communities. The Oloyan community, which has been without electricity for 21 years, now benefits from 100kw of power, while the Sule Camp community, after 30 years of darkness, also receives 100kw.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, REA Managing Director, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized the significance of the mini-grid project, noting that it is one of many being developed across the country through the Federal Government\u2019s Rural Electrification Fund (REF). He explained that the REF is a crucial mechanism designed to deliver developmental impact in rural areas by providing sustainable energy access.<\/p>\n
“The Rural Electrification Fund remains a key mechanism of the Federal Government, designed to enable developmental impact in rural communities through the provision of sustainable energy access,” Aliyu stated.<\/p>\n
Doris Uboh, represented by the agency\u2019s Executive Director, highlighted the pervasive energy poverty in Nigeria’s rural areas, which has long hindered the development of these communities. She expressed optimism that the new mini-grids would bring much-needed change and spur economic growth.<\/p>\n
“In citing the mini off-grid, REA took into consideration the economic viability of the community, including the critical agricultural activities seen across the community. It is evident that our interventions in unserved and underserved communities are serving as catalysts to true 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,” Uboh remarked.<\/p>\n
The commissioning of these mini-grids in Oloyan and Sule Camp communities brings the total number of such installations in Edo State to three, following the earlier commissioning of a mini-grid in Adebayo community two years ago. This expansion of energy infrastructure is expected to significantly improve the quality of life in these communities, enabling them to tap into new economic opportunities and enhance their overall standard of living.<\/p>\n
A community committee has been established to oversee the maintenance and security of the new mini-grids, ensuring that the project remains sustainable in the long term. This approach underscores the importance of community involvement in the management of public infrastructure, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the residents.<\/p>\n
“The agency focused on rural communities because the urban areas had received much attention while rural areas had been abandoned or neglected for too long,” Aliyu noted. “The project is in line with President Bola Tinubu\u2019s Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to focus on communities that have been neglected for too long. The benefitting communities have been in existence for 21 and 30 years without electricity.”<\/p>\n
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, lauded the REA and the Federal Government for their dedication to providing sustainable energy solutions to the state’s rural communities. He acknowledged the transformative impact that such projects can have on the socio-economic development of these areas, paving the way for future growth and prosperity.<\/p>\n
“This is a significant step forward for our communities. The provision of reliable electricity will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for our people and open up new avenues for economic development,” Governor Obaseki said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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