…Says 24 underserved rural communities have received electricity through a mini-grid project
The Oyo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barrister Nurudeen Seun Ashamu, has assured the residents of Oyo of improved electricity through the ongoing Independent Power Project (IPP).
Ashamu, who is the inaugural commissioner for energy and mineral resources in the Pacesetter State, made this announcement during a media briefing with new media representatives to discuss the ministry’s activities over the last four years.
He confirmed that the 11MW hybrid power plant is currently being constructed by Elektron Energy under a Build-Operate-Transfer model. He also mentioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a bill allowing the State to generate power, with Oyo State playing a pivotal role in this initiative.
According to him: “States will also have the authority to issue licenses to private investors for operating mini-grids and power plants within the State. However, these State licenses will not extend to inter-state or transnational distribution of electricity.”
While highlighting his achievements as the inaugural Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Oyo State, Ashamu listed several accomplishments attributed to the ministry over the past four years. These include street lighting, the expansion of renewable energy projects, improved electricity infrastructure through the IPP project, the installation of Mini-Grids in selected communities and healthcare centers, and collaborations with private sector partners for energy projects, which have generated job opportunities.
He emphasized that the solar-hybrid mini-grid scheme is targeted at communities that have never been connected to the national grid but have enough economic activity to support the infrastructure. Ajia is one of the communities benefiting from the rural electrification projects fully funded by the Oyo State Government. Other communities benefiting from this initiative include Otefon in the Atiba Local Government Area, Agbaruru in the Iwajowa Local Government Area, Arowomole in the Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Itesiwaju, and Ibarapa Zone in the State.
The event included interactive sessions where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with the commissioner and his team. These sessions facilitated a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Barr. Nurudeen Ashamu Temilolu expressed his commitment to working closely with new media outlets to ensure that accurate and relevant information is disseminated to the public. He encouraged a collaborative approach to enhance communication and transparency.
