The Federal Ministry of Power, on Wednesday, inaugurated a 100KW solar hybrid mini-grid electricity in Adebayo Community, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the joy of residents of the community knew no bound as the project takes them out of 60 years of darkness.
Inaugurating the project, the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba said the project was executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Power.
Jeddy-Agba said the project would help improve the social-economic status of Adebayo community “who have been without electricity in the past six decades”.
“As mandated by the Federal Government, the rural electrification fund is being channelled equitably to energise communities across the nation.
“As always, the Federal Ministry of Power will continue to support the implementation of all government policies in the diversification of the energy sector,’’ he said.
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The minister commended the commitment of REA and its data driven decision making in this direction.
“It has become obvious that renewable energy solutions are what we need to bridge the electricity gap.’’
He urged the people to take advantage of the intervention to better their lives and improve the local economies.
Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, REA said the project was delivered under the first call of the government rural electrification fund.
Ahmad said that the fund was designed to promote off-grid electrification and ensure equitable electricity distribution across Nigeria.
According to him, 12 communities had so far been powered with about 19,000 solar home system across the country.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering support in ensuring the implementation of the projects.
NAN reports that the installed power plant has capacity to generate 100kw and composed of 294 high grade solar panel, 72 batteries, 20 street lights and 27 kilometres distribution cable.
Also speaking, the village head, Chief Lateef Agbaje commended the Federal Government for coming to the aid of the community.
Agbaje said the village had been without electricity for over 60 years.
He expressed optimism that with the electricity now in place, small businesses would grow in the community.
He added that children would be able to read at night.