The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid with 1.4MW Battery Energy Storage System, BESS, in Oke-Oyi community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The project, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Adeola Labzy, on Thursday night is aimed at extending steady and reliable electricity to rural communities.
The extended battery capacity enables the mini-grid to power the community throughout the night, reinforcing the Federal Government’s drive toward universal energy access.
The project was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme, IMAS, and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme [NESP], with backing from the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ, and other development partners including UNICEF.
Speaking at the commissioning, Tegbe 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.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency [REA] said Oke-Oyi demonstrates 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 is 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 Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the impact of the Federal Government’s power sector reforms across the state.
“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.
“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 added.
In his address, Tegbe urged residents of Oke-Oyi to guard the facility against vandalism and criminal interference, describing the mini-grid as an investment for their benefit and for future generations.
He officially declared the project commissioned on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulating the community and all stakeholders.
“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,” the Minister said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing fundamental reforms required to build a stronger, more reliable and sustainable electricity sector.
The Oke-Oyi mini-grid is set to power 1,800 businesses and households, adding to a growing portfolio of rural and off-grid electrification projects delivered under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
