By joshua FG FLAGS OFF $100M 20MW MINI-GRID IN KOGI AS AUDU LAUNCHES ‘LIGHT UP KOGI’ DRIVE
…Egume project largest mini-grid in North Central, 700kW Offa, 400kW Emewe Efopa also commissioned
The Federal Government has begun work on a $100 million electricity intervention in Kogi State with the groundbreaking of a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area, described as the largest mini-grid project in North Central Nigeria.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, performed the ceremony on Friday alongside the commissioning of two smaller mini-grids: a 700-kilowatt facility in Offa Community, Olamaboro LGA, and a 400-kilowatt plant in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina LGA. The development was confirmed in a statement on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji.
Audu said the projects are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity, stimulating economic growth, enhancing security, and improving quality of life across Kogi East and the state. He noted that the initiative, branded “Light Up Kogi”, coincides with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and underscores the tangible impact of federal policies at the grassroots level.
According to the minister, the Egume project is being executed by the Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, and will sit on over five hectares of land integrated with existing infrastructure to guarantee sustainability. He disclosed that funding worth nearly $100 million has been secured from the Federal Government in collaboration with the World Bank through REA for mini-grid projects across Igala land, with over 40 such projects earmarked for the nine LGAs of the region. He urged communities to cooperate with officials and developers to ensure smooth execution.
Audu further stated that reliable electricity remains a critical enabler of development, adding that the intervention will create opportunities for businesses, improve healthcare and education services, boost security, and raise living standards. He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the project, and to REA Managing Director, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for technical support and partnership. He also thanked traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Egume, Offa, and Emewe Efopa for their cooperation.
REA Managing Director Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu commended Audu for his consistent engagement in attracting federal energy investments to Kogi East. He said about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State under the minister’s watch, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land. He expressed optimism that the Egume mini-grid would be completed within six months and urged residents to prepare for the economic opportunities that would follow improved power supply.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Dr. Usman Obaje, OON, praised Audu for following in the footsteps of his late father, Prince Abubakar Audu, and assured the Federal Government of the people’s support for the Renewed Hope administration.