There was wild jubilation yesterday in Oke-Oyi community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, as the Federal Government switched on a 581 kilowatt interconnected mini-grid that promises 24-hour electricity for the first time.
Scores of elated residents, mostly youths and women, trooped out chanting “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term” as the solar facility roared to life.
For a community of about 13,000 people that has longed for reliable power, the moment was historic.
We Are Not Forgotten – Community Chairman
Chairman of Oke-Oyi community, Alhaji Oseni Elemoso, said the project has restored faith in government.
“Today is a day of joy for us. For many years, we have longed for reliable electricity to improve our lives and economic activities. This project has renewed our confidence and shown that Oke-Oyi is not forgotten,” he said.
Local Government Chairman Luqman Agbelere said reliable power will now drive small businesses, welding, grain milling and cold rooms.
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The project, built by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited with support from German Cooperation and European Union through GIZ, was delivered by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Rural Electrification Fund.
It comprises 1,336 solar panels, 84 batteries and 10 kilometres of distribution cables.
FG: Power Must Create Wealth
Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said the project is more than light.
“The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. When electricity enables a welder to expand his business or a grain miller to operate more efficiently, we see the direct link between energy access and economic development,” he said.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by House Speaker Yakubu Salihu, hailed the intervention as a catalyst for enterprise, employment and improved livelihoods.
