From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 581kWp Interconnected Solar Mini-Grid with 1.4MW battery storage system in Oke-Oyi Community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, to extend reliable electricity to the rural communities.
The project, which was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, (NESP), was funded with backing from the European Union, the Federal Government of Germany through GIZ and other development partners including UNICEF. The enhanced battery capacity will enable the facility to provide power throughout the night.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Tegbe described IMAS as a model for international partnership, 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.
He urged residents of Oke-Oyi to protect the facility against vandalism, saying the asset was built for their benefit and for future generations.
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The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, (REA), Abba Aliyu, on his part, 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 activities.
He said the Agency is focused on scaling such models through stronger financing and regulatory frameworks, while ensuring commercial sustainability and community ownership.
Aliyu commended the Federal Ministry of Power, Kwara State Government, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited for their roles.
Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, lauded the impact of the Federal Government’s power sector reforms.
“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 said.
Noted that access to electricity was critical to curbing rural-urban migration and commended the Minister for keying into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Minister, the Oke-Oyi mini-grid will power about 1,800 households and businesses, adding to the growing portfolio of rural electrification projects under the current administration.
“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,” Tegbe said.
