The Federal Government has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid project in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, aimed at providing reliable electricity to an estimated 13,000 residents.
The project, commissioned on Thursday through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), was implemented under the Rural Electrification Fund-Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (REF-IMAS) with support from development partners.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity access and ensuring that energy investments translate into improved livelihoods and economic opportunities.
“The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. What we are commissioning today in Oke-Oyi is an investment in the productive capacity of the community,” Tegbe said.
The minister noted that reliable electricity could help small businesses expand, improve productivity and create new economic opportunities within communities.
“When electricity enables a welder to expand his business, a grain miller to operate more efficiently or a new enterprise to emerge, we are seeing the direct connection between energy access and economic development,” he added.
Tegbe also stressed the importance of maintaining completed electricity infrastructure to ensure that communities continue to benefit from such investments over the long term.
AbdulRazaq Welcomes Electricity Interventio
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented at the ceremony, welcomed the project, describing reliable electricity as critical to economic activities and community development.
“For Kwara State, every intervention that expands reliable electricity access to our communities is an important step towards creating a more conducive environment for enterprise, employment and improved livelihoods,” the governor said.
He commended the Federal Government, REA and the development and private-sector partners involved in the project, expressing hope that the facility would continue to support the development of Oke-Oyi.
German Embassy Highlights Partnership
Also speaking, the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr Karin Jansen, highlighted the importance of partnerships in expanding sustainable energy access in Nigeria.
Jansen commended the Federal Ministry of Power, REA, Kwara State Government, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Nayo Tropical Technologies, the European Union, GIZ and the Oke-Oyi community for their contributions to the project.
The project was developed by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, with support from German Cooperation and the European Union through GIZ.
581kWp Solar Project Features 1,336 Panels
The solar mini-grid has a total installed capacity of 581kWp, comprising 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries.
It also includes approximately 10 kilometres of distribution cables and transformers supporting the electricity network.
The project provides electricity connections to residential and productive users across Oke-Oyi, with the aim of improving access to reliable power for households and businesses.
Businesses Benefit From Improved Electricity Supply
Community sources said the improved electricity supply was already contributing to increased economic activity, with new businesses emerging in Oke-Oyi.
Among the businesses benefiting from the intervention are:
- 12 welding businesses
- Two pure water companies
- Four grain mills
- Four aluminium artisan businesses
- One ice-block production business
- One cold-room/ice-fish depot
Three electricity vendors are also operating in the community, while three additional vendors, including a female entrepreneur, are expected to be registered.
The construction phase of the project also created temporary employment opportunities for residents, including painters, welders, bricklayers, iron benders, tilers, plumbers, borehole diggers and excavation workers.
The Oke-Oyi solar mini-grid is expected to strengthen electricity access in the community while supporting local businesses, employment and economic activities.
