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Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called for increased investment and partnerships in clean and renewable energy to improve electricity supply and drive economic development across the state.
The Governor made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid at Oke-Oyi in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The project was delivered by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with support from development partners.
Represented at the event by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, Governor AbdulRazaq commended the REA and its development partners for the project, describing it as an important intervention that would improve electricity access and stimulate economic activities in the benefiting communities.
He said reliable electricity would enable businesses to extend their operating hours while creating opportunities for new enterprises and improving livelihoods.
“Electricity is fundamental to modern economic and social development. It powers businesses, supports education and healthcare, improves security, creates jobs and enables communities to participate more effectively in the digital economy.”
The Governor said the commissioning represented more than the provision of power infrastructure, describing it as evidence of what could be achieved through collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners and local communities.
According to him, his administration recognises the challenges associated with inadequate electricity supply and remains committed to improving electricity productivity across the state.
He noted that Kwara has significant potential in renewable energy, particularly solar power, and expressed the state government’s readiness to partner with credible investors and development institutions to unlock the sector’s potential.
“Kwara State has enormous potential in renewable energy, particularly solar power. As a government, we are interested in partnerships and investment that can unlock this potential while delivering tangible benefits to our people.
“We therefore welcome credible investors, development institutions, technology providers and other partners who are prepared to support the expansion of clean and reliable energy infrastructure across the state.”
AbdulRazaq congratulated the Minister of Power, the REA and development partners for the successful completion of the project, while urging the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the facility, ensure its proper use and protect it from vandalism.
Project will empower businesses, youths — Minister
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Power, Hon. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, described the 581kWp solar mini-grid as another important milestone in Nigeria’s quest for universal electricity access, energy security and sustainable development.
He said the project would not only provide electricity but also create economic opportunities and improve livelihoods within the community.
“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 reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to building a stronger, more reliable and sustainable electricity sector.
He congratulated the people of Oke-Oyi and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project, urging the community to protect the facility against vandals and other criminal elements.
The commissioning ceremony featured goodwill messages from development partners and was attended by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the REA and other executive directors of the agency, representatives of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, German Embassy, European Union, ECOWAS, UNICEF, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Neyo T&T, among others.
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