IBEDC, Developer power Kwara community with Mini-Grid, target 17MW Renewable Energy expansion

IBEDC, Developer power Kwara community with Mini-Grid, target 17MW Renewable Energy expansion

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding electricity access across its franchise through partnerships with developers to deploy renewable energy solutions.

The company disclosed this at the official commissioning of the Oke-Oyi IMAS/Interconnected Mini-Grid (IMG) Project in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, noting that it is working with multiple stakeholders on a pipeline of projects with the potential to unlock over 17 megawatts of renewable energy capacity within its franchise.

The Oke-Oyi Project was commissioned by the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, on Thursday September 25, 2026.

The project, developed by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited in collaboration with IBEDC and with support from the German Cooperation and the European Union, is designed to expand access to reliable electricity in Oke-Oyi community. The project has a total installed capacity of 581kWp, comprising 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries, with approximately 10 kilometres of distribution cables and transformers supporting the electricity distribution network to the community with an estimated population of 13,000 people.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Deolu Ijose, who was represented by Dr. Ademola Adewumi, IBEDC’s Chief Commercial Officer-North, said the planned projects and partnerships would contribute to improving electricity access, increasing renewable-energy adoption, and supporting sustainable socio-economic development across the company’s coverage areas.

Ijose described the Oke-Oyi project as a significant milestone in the effort to expand electricity access to underserved communities.

He highlighted IBEDC’s longstanding partnership with credible private-sector developers, particularly Nayo Tropical Technology Limited, noting that the collaboration had evolved from the successful delivery of the Mokoloki Mini-Grid Project in Ogun State in 2019.

“The Oke-Oyi IMG Project stands as another testament to what can be achieved when forward-thinking developers, distribution utilities, regulators, financiers and communities work together towards a common objective,” the IBEDC MD/CEO said.

The IBEDC boss urged residents and businesses in Oke-Oyi to support the sustainability of the infrastructure through responsible energy use, prompt payment for electricity consumed and constructive engagement with service providers.

_“Together, we can ensure that this investment continues to deliver lasting benefits for generations to come,”_ he said.

The Oke-Oyi project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts, through REA, to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved communities and promote the use of renewable energy solutions to support economic and social development.