The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has installed two 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-grids in Oloyan and SuleCamp communities in Edo State, providing reliable energy to residents who lacked consistent electricity for years. This initiative is part of Nigeria's broader effort to improve rural access to electricity and is expected to enhance local economic activities and quality of life.
Respite for Oloyan and SuleCamp Communities
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has relieved the Oloyan and SuleCamp communities in Edo State by installing two 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-grids. Each of the mini-grids has a capacity of 100kWp and were installed in Ovia South West and Ovia North East Local Government Areas, respectively. This project is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to improve access to electricity in rural areas.
Solar panels rural community
The solar hybrid mini-grids are designed to provide reliable and sustainable energy to these communities. Hundreds of residents who have lived without consistent electricity for years now have access to clean and renewable energy. This development is expected to boost economic activities and improve the overall quality of life in these areas.
REA's Commitment to Rural Development
The Acting Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu spoke at the inauguration of the project. Aliyu emphasized that the project is focused on enhancing the lives of rural dwellers. He noted that these two communities are among 52 rural areas connected to 100kWp solar power as part of the second phase of the rural electrification project under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Aliyu highlighted the importance of the Rural Electrification Fund in supporting sustainable energy access in rural communities. He urged the beneficiaries to take ownership of the installations and protect them, ensuring long-term benefits. “The Rural Electrification Fund remains a key mechanism of the federal government, designed to enable developmental impact in rural communities through the provision of sustainable energy access,” Aliyu said.
“The off-grid, renewable energy ecosystem in Nigeria will continue to be a driving force for the Nigerian economy,” Aliyu stated. He pointed out that REA's interventions in underserved communities are aligned with the federal government’s objectives and are crucial for the country’s energy access scale-up plans. He also praised the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the projects are in line with the 2023 Electricity Act.
Edo State Government's Support
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State expressed his gratitude to the REA. He noted that the project aligns with his administration’s priorities of bringing sustainable energy solutions to local communities.
“This is not the first mini-grid to be deployed in Edo State, and from the impact recorded so far, I am confident this will not be the last,” Obaseki said. He praised the REA for commissioning two solar hybrid mini-grids in two communities, with a combined capacity of 200kWp.
Dr. Kolawole Olusegun, the Baale (Head) of Oloyan expressed his appreciation for the government's efforts. He noted that the installation of the solar hybrid mini-grid has renewed the community's faith in the government's promises. The community had lived without a reliable power supply for years, but the new project is a sign that the government has not forgotten them.
“This project has now made us believe in government promises. Indeed, this is a sign that the government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” Dr Olusegun said. He also highlighted that the new energy supply would help kickstart economic activities in the area, further contributing to the community's development.
The installation of the 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-grids in Oloyan and SuleCamp marks a significant step towards improving energy access in rural Nigeria. The project which was driven by the REA and supported by the Edo State government is a testament to the ongoing efforts to bring sustainable energy to underserved communities.