FG inaugurates 100KWP solar mini-grid in Oyo

The Federal Government has inaugurated its rural electrification drive at Budo-Are community in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, with a 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid project.

Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, said at the event that the facility built by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with a private firm, would rev up economic activities in the benefitting communities.

The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Energy and Community Development, Mr Temilolu Ashamu, said the completion of the project by the energy development agenda aligned with the state government’s energy plan for the people of Oyo.

He said in his determination to ensure that no community in the state was left behind, especially in the area of power, the current administration in the state had created a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and selected 23 communities to empower with the solar project in partnership with REA and private developers.

He thanked the Federal Government, REA and the project developer for being partners in progress regarding the project.

He expressed the hope that with private developers, Oyo would have 30 mini-grids in the next 12 months.

Managing Director REA, Mr Ahmad Sahilijo, thanked the state government for the encouragement given the agency and the development partner while the project lasted.

He urged the people to utilise the opportunity presented to them to enhance their livelihood and attract investment.

The inauguration of the project came a day after another 100KWP project was launched by the REA in Olooji community in Ijebu-East council of Ogun State.