…as FG performs groundbreaking for 17.7MW interconnected mini-grid
Residents of five communities in Ibadan, Oyo State are poised to enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily following the Federal Government’s groundbreaking ceremony for a 17.7MW interconnected mini-grid.
The project, developed by Paras Energy & Natural Resources Development Limited, is set to directly benefit Bola, Jiboye, Ogo-Oluwa, Molade-Adelubi, and Sooko Elega in the Iwo road area of Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to improve electricity access and make round-the-clock power a national reality.
He noted that the project underscores the administration’s dedication to investing in reliable infrastructure to strengthen livelihoods and expand local opportunities.
“This is not an isolated effort. This project is part of the wider crusade of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which carries a national responsibility to expand opportunities and strengthen electricity access across our federation,” the Minister said, noting that similar interventions by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have successfully impacted communities in Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, and Kaduna states.
Tegbe further revealed plans to unveil round-the-clock electricity supply through three designated Energy Zones covering major economic corridors.
He added that the government is upgrading generation and transmission infrastructure across the eastern, western, northern, southern, and central parts of the country, with strategic grid expansions planned for locations including Funtua, Kainji, Gwagwalada, Gombe, Makurdi, Ajaokuta, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, and Egbin.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to provide the policy direction required to unlock investments in the electricity sector.
Aliyu disclosed that upon completion, the project will deploy 18 new transformers to serve the area, with an additional 17.7MW in fresh projects currently in the pipeline to serve the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, University of Ibadan and the Polytechnic Ibadan.
“When electricity supply improves, businesses can operate longer, production costs can fall, and communities become more attractive for investment. For us, this is the real value of energy access: its ability to unlock economic opportunities and improve livelihoods,” Aliyu stated.
He added that the agency is focused on building sustainable delivery models that can be replicated and financed long-term.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja who served as the Royal Father of the Day hailed the project as one that will improve livelihoods and business operations.
He thanked President Tinubu for considering the state for developmental projects while praying for the President’s victory at the 2027 elections.
“We are seeing the fruits of Mr. President’s work in Oyo State through you (Tegbe) and Minister Umahi, with over 12 projects being executed simultaneously in Oyo state by President Tinubu. We know that we will see more fruits once he is re-elected. We don’t wish for the projects to be uncompleted or abandoned,” the revered traditional ruler said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Paras Energy, Yashwant Kumar, pledged the company’s commitment to completing the project in record time to deliver reliable electricity that will significantly improve the daily lives of residents.
