ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru, has said the newly commissioned 504-kilowatt-hour interconnected mini-grid in Epe, alongside a planned 5MW expansion, will stimulate businesses, generate employment and improve the livelihoods of residents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Abiru said the project would provide reliable electricity to businesses, agro-processors, fish traders, artisans, schools, healthcare facilities and thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises that have long grappled with inadequate power supply.
The mini-grid project, facilitated by the senator in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency, the European Union and the German government through GIZ, was commissioned last week in Epe, Lagos State.
Represented at the event by a former Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdulateef Abiru, the lawmaker described the project as a major driver of economic growth, enterprise development and improved living standards for the people of Epe.
He said the successful completion of the mini-grid was the outcome of more than four years of sustained advocacy and collaboration to ensure Epe benefitted from the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme.
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According to him, the initiative goes beyond improving electricity supply, representing a major step towards tackling the persistent power challenges facing Epe Local Government Area.
“This project did not happen by accident. It is the result of years of persistent engagement, advocacy and collaboration. Since the initiative commenced over four years ago, we remained committed to ensuring its successful delivery because we understood the transformative impact reliable electricity will have on our people and local economy,” he said.
Abiru noted that the 504kWh mini-grid represents the first phase of a broader intervention, while the proposed 5MW expansion is expected to significantly boost electricity supply to support increasing economic activities across the Epe division.
He commended the REA, the European Union and GIZ for their partnership in delivering the project, describing the collaboration as a model for sustainable development.
The senator also credited the success of the initiative to the power sector reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the Federal Government’s efforts to expand energy access and strengthen electricity infrastructure were beginning to deliver tangible results.
“What we are witnessing now is a practical demonstration of how national policies can translate into real benefits for ordinary citizens. President Tinubu’s reforms are empowering institutions and creating opportunities for communities to access critical infrastructure that supports economic growth and development,” he said.
Abiru urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure and continue supporting policies and programmes that promote development.
“The progress we are witnessing today is the product of purposeful leadership, strategic investments and continuity in governance. We must continue to support leaders and policies that are delivering measurable results and creating opportunities for our people,” he stated.