Governance
From Ofa to Egume: Audu Drives Rural Electrification Across Kogi Communities
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu, alongside the representative of the Honourable Minister of Power and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Prince Shaibu Audu expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the project, describing it as one of the largest rural electrification interventions in North-Central Nigeria. He revealed that about 48 communities across Kogi State are expected to benefit from similar projects designed to improve living standards and stimulate economic growth.
The Minister stated that the project reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places priority on providing Nigerians with affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity. According to him, the initiative is intended to empower young people, support small-scale businesses, improve security, and drive socio-economic development in rural areas.
Prince Audu encouraged residents of Ofa and other benefiting communities to utilize the electricity supply productively by engaging in meaningful economic activities capable of transforming their lives and communities. He also appealed to the people to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to rally behind his re-election bid in 2027, noting that continued support would ensure the completion and expansion of developmental projects nationwide.
He added that the progress being recorded in the power sector and other key areas of national development demonstrates the President’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through practical governance.
The Minister commended the Minister of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency for their efforts in expanding access to clean and affordable energy across the country. He further disclosed that more communities in Kogi East and other parts of the state would benefit from similar electrification projects in the months ahead.
Prince Audu also appreciated the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for creating the enabling environment that facilitated the successful implementation of the project. He praised the contractors handling the projects, Mr. Nnagha Kennedy and Mr. Virender Singh Narwal, Executive Director of Mahashakti Nigeria Limited, for the quality of work delivered and urged them to maintain approved standards and timelines, especially on the ongoing project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area.
Also speaking, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief David Onoja, commended President Tinubu and the Minister for bringing the landmark project to Olamaboro. He urged residents to maximize the opportunities created by the electricity project while sustaining their support for the administration to attract more developmental projects to the area.
Chief Onoja further praised Prince Shaibu Audu for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and encouraged him to remain focused on delivering more democratic dividends to the people.
In his remarks, the Site Engineer, Mr. Omoh, described the solar mini-grid as environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and noise-free. He disclosed that the facility currently generates 11KVA, with plans to increase its capacity and extend electricity distribution to neighbouring communities.
He explained that the system is equipped with backup storage facilities to guarantee uninterrupted power supply during periods of low sunlight and rainfall. He added that the solar infrastructure has an estimated lifespan of between 25 and 30 years, while prepaid meters have been installed for households within the benefiting community.
Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Olamaboro Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Simon Ujah, welcomed the Minister and his entourage to the community. He commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritizing rural electrification and improving the welfare of rural residents.
The royal father described Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu as a worthy son of the soil who continues to uphold the developmental legacy of his late father, former Governor Prince Abubakar Audu. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the late statesman, followed by prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Similarly, at Egume in Dekina Local Government Area, the Minister officially flagged off the construction of a 20MW Solar Mini-Grid Electricity Project.
At the palace of the Onu-Egume, the representative of the Ata Igala, His Royal Highness Alhaji Usman Obaje, appreciated President Tinubu, Governor Ododo, and Prince Shaibu Audu for initiating the project. He assured them of the support and blessings of the Ata Igala Kingdom towards its successful execution.
Also speaking, the Onu-Egume, His Royal Highness Simon Ochimana, thanked the Federal Government and the Minister for bringing the project to the community. He assured the contractors of full cooperation and security while appealing for the engagement of local youths during the construction phase to encourage participation and community ownership.
A similar solar electrification project was also commissioned at Emewe-Efopa in Biraidu District of Dekina Local Government Area.
It would be recalled that electrification of Nigerian communities remains a major component of the Federal Government’s development agenda, with support from international development partners, including the World Bank. The commissioned and ongoing solar mini-grid projects are among the flagship initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding access to clean, reliable, and sustainable energy across the country.
Dignitaries present at the event included former Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Dan Okolo; former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Abdullahi Haruna (SAN); Hon. Innah Hussein; former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sediq Ainoko; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Isah Daniel; APC National Deputy Organizing Secretary, Hon. Gembo Abdullahi; former Zonal Chairman of SDP, Kogi East, Alhaji Rabiu Siaka Alfa; former Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Ekele; former Director General, Government House; APC Women Leader, Kogi State, Hajia Rabi Emere; Hon. Princess Joy Oguche, SSA to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilization; Hon. Damodu Ali; and several other political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and community members.
Confluence News reporting from Ofa, Olamaboro Local Government Area, Kogi State.
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