The Federal Government has commissioned a 581 kWp Interconnected Solar Mini-Grid system with a 1.4 MW battery storage system in Oke-Oyi Community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The extended battery capacity enables the mini-grid to power the community throughout the night and reinforces the Federal Government’s drive toward universal energy access, according to a statement on Thursday by Adeola Labzy, Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Minister of Power.
The statement added that the project, delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), was made possible through the combined backing of the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany (through GIZ), and other development partners including UNICEF.
Speaking at the commissioning, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the commissioning of the project was in a move to extend steady, reliable electricity to rural communities.
He described IMAS as a model for how international partnership should work, noting that it leverages public funding to attract private developers, establishes clear market rules, and builds long-term commercial viability rather than dependence on perpetual subsidy.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said Oke-Oyi demonstrated how interconnected mini-grids can combine distributed renewable energy with existing distribution networks to improve supply, attract private investment and support economic activity.
He said the agency was focused on scaling such models through stronger financing, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while ensuring commercial viability, proper maintenance and community ownership.
He acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Power, Kwara State Government and development partners, as well as Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, for their roles in delivering the project.
Representing the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the visible impact of the Federal Government’s power sector reforms across the state.
He said: “Since this Minister of Power came on board, we have been enjoying stable electricity, not only in the cities, but also in the urban areas.”
He added that his own roots in a rural constituency underscored the significance of the project in curbing rural-urban migration.
“As the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly and being from a rural area, we understand the importance of electricity in taming rural-urban migration. When you came on board, you quickly keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President to deliver dividends to the people. I can categorically say that you are performing,” he said.
Tegbe further urged the people of Oke-Oyi to guard the newly commissioned assets against vandalism and criminal interference.
He described the mini-grid as an investment built for their benefit and for the prosperity of generations to come.
He said: “As we energize this community, we are also energizing businesses, creating opportunities, empowering young people, improving livelihoods, and building a more resilient future for Nigeria.”
He commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration, he noted, continues to pursue the fundamental reforms required to build a stronger, more reliable and more sustainable electricity sector for the country.
The Oke-Oyi mini-grid which is set to power 1,800 businesses and households, adds to a growing portfolio of rural and off-grid electrification projects delivered under the Renewed Hope Agenda, as the government continues to expand access, strengthen energy security, and advance Nigeria’s transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, the statement added.
Source: Business Archives – New Telegraph
