In a groundbreaking commitment to eradicate energy poverty, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has declared that the Federal Government is poised to provide electricity to unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria. This resounding statement was delivered during the minister’s inspection and impact assessment of a 90KW solar hybrid mini grid in Adafila, Ogbomoso, as part of his nationwide tour to evaluate power facilities.
Adelabu, in his address on Monday, highlighted the transformative impact of the solar hybrid mini grid, emphasizing its capacity to illuminate over 1,300 households, clinics, schools, and small businesses in the community. This innovative project operates independently of the national grid, utilizing solar panels integrated into the community to distribute power seamlessly.
“The solar mini grid system gives the community 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply, supported by a 240KW battery storage for nighttime use when the sun is not available,” explained Adelabu. He further underscored the success of the initiative, revealing that the community had enjoyed continuous power for the past two years. The minister’s visit aimed to witness, inspect, and assess the tangible impact of this transformative project on the local populace.
Across the state and various locations in Nigeria, Adelabu disclosed that there are approximately 27 mini grid solar systems in operation. These decentralized systems represent a departure from the traditional centralized power distribution model, ensuring that even remote and underserved areas have access to reliable electricity.
The minister acknowledged that the solar hybrid mini grid project has effectively lifted people out of the shackles of energy poverty that have persisted for far too long. He noted, “With this project, people are able to improve on their businesses because the availability of electricity empowers them to conveniently utilize the skills they have learned and smoothly run their businesses.” This emphasis on economic empowerment underscores the broader socio-economic impact that access to electricity can have on communities, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Adelabu’s announcement of plans to replicate similar projects nationwide aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to grassroots communities. The Minister’s assertion of future endeavors to expand electrification projects across the country reflects a strategic vision to uplift communities by addressing a fundamental aspect of their development needs.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the minister’s tour included inspections of 132KV substations in Oyo and Ogbomoso, showcasing a comprehensive overview of the state of power infrastructure in the region. The importance of these substations in enhancing power supply to the ancient city of Ogbomoso was emphasized during the minister’s meeting with the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, in his palace.
The traditional ruler urged the ministry to expedite the installation of transmission lines for the newly-installed 132KV substation in Ogbomoso, emphasizing the critical role it plays in improving power supply to the city. Oba Afolabi Olaoye also reiterated the commitment of Ogbomoso indigenes to ensure the protection of power infrastructures and other government facilities in the town, recognizing the transformative impact these initiatives can have on the well-being of the community.
As Nigeria strides towards a future where every household is illuminated, the Federal Government’s ambitious plan to bring electricity to 1,300 households in underserved communities heralds a new era of empowerment, progress, and inclusive development. The journey towards nationwide electrification is underway, and the transformative power of these initiatives promises to illuminate the path to a brighter, more prosperous Nigeria.
