The Oyo State Government, in partnership with private investors, has illuminated the Inukan Local Council Development Area (Ajia) with a Solar Hybrid Mini Grid, thus ending the residents’ age-long agony of living in darkness during the night.
The lack of electricity has hindered the socio-economic development of the community, making life difficult for residents until the construction of the solar hybrid mini-grid, initiated by the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and a team of renowned renewable energy experts.
Residents of the community relied on candles, lanterns and more importantly generators as their sources of power supply. The high cost of fuel and maintenance of generators made it difficult for residents to access electricity.
The project, which will soon be commissioned by the governor is a combination of solar and diesel power, which provides a reliable source of energy. It includes a 100kw solar panel, a 100kva diesel generator, and a distribution channel that covers the entire community.
Seun Ashamu, the state Commissioner for Energy said the mini-grid which has also been located in some other communities is a combination of state-funded and private sectors covering Otefon, Atiba; Agbaruru; Iwajowa; Elekonkan, Iwajowa; Adafila; Orire; Abuja Leather; Itwesiwaju; Olokoto; Orire; Oko-Ile, Orire; RCDC, Afijio; Ahoro Dada, Orire; Sanni Sala Saki West; Orita Orisunmibare, Saki West; Arget, Itesiwaju; Igbori, Orire
Alaropo Nla, Orire; Ayegun Wasimi, Iwajowa; Overate, Saki West Kofeogun, Iwajowa; Iregba Oja, Surulere and Budo Are, Itesiwaju.
Residents of Ajia town are excited about the solar hybrid mini-grid as they can now access electricity, which has improved their lives. According to Ashamu, “The construction of the solar hybrid mini-grid in Ajia town is a significant milestone in Oyo state’s renewable energy journey as the project has shown that renewable energy can be a reliable source of power, even in rural communities”.