FG Inaugurates 100KW Solar Mini Grid in Akwa Ibom Community

The federal government, through its implementing agency, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will today inaugurate a 100KW solar hybrid mini grid power plant in Akpabom Community in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The project, which is the third to be commissioned under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), will provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable electricity for the community members.

Akpabom has a population of over 2,000 people. Economic activities include fishing, cassava.

With this newly installed basic amenities, Akpabom community has joined Upake (80KW) in Kogi State; as well as Kare-Dadin Kowa and Tsulaye (98.8KW) in Kebbi State in experiencing social and economic progress thanks to the solar mini grids project under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).

Speaking on the project, the REA Managing Director/ CEO, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, emphasised the federal government’s commitment to meeting its developmental goals by providing electricity access for all.

Reiterating REA’s role, she stated that “as an agency, we are responsible for powering unserved and underserved communities; therefore, it is fulfilling every time homes, businesses, schools and medical centres are connected to sustainable solar power. Almost immediately, we are able to witness rural communities being transformed with clean energy through the jobs that are created during construction, to their micro and small businesses scaling to larger capacity thanks to reliable electricity.”

Enumerating the benefits of the newly installed mini off grid, GVE Projects Limited Chief Executive Officer, Ifeanyi Orajaka, said the installed mini grid comprising a total of 306 solar panels and a distribution network cable of 5.5KM, will adequately energise the community. He also mentioned that 58 jobs were created as a result of the local labour.