A hybrid solar mini-grid project designed to provide about 22,597 electricity connections across five communities in Ibadan has been flagged off, with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) expressing confidence that it will improve power supply to homes and businesses.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rural Electrification Agency’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Lot 6 project took place on Thursday at Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, IBEDC Managing Director, Mr Deolu Ijose, described the initiative as a practical and commercially viable approach to addressing inadequate electricity access.
He identified the beneficiary communities as Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo-Oluwa and Sooko-Elega.
According to Ijose, the project will combine a 17.7 MWp solar power plant with battery storage and connect to IBEDC’s existing distribution network. Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited will generate the electricity, while IBEDC’s infrastructure will deliver it to consumers.
He said the five community clusters fall within the company’s franchise area, adding that the arrangement should strengthen electricity supply for households, businesses and other productive activities.
Ijose cited IBEDC’s experience with similar projects, including the Mokoloki mini-grid in Ogun State in 2019 and the Oke-Oyi mini-grid in Kwara State, commissioned on September 24, 2026.
He cautioned, however, that the groundbreaking represented only a stage in the project’s development, stressing that its success would depend on the improvements residents experience when it becomes operational.
The IBEDC boss urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect the facilities and cooperate with the organisations responsible for delivering and operating the project.
He also acknowledged the support of the REA, Paras Energy, the World Bank and the Oyo State Government.
The Minister of Power, Chief Olasunkanmi Tegbe, attended the ceremony, while Governor Seyi Makinde was represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Professor Dahud Shangodoyin.
Other guests included REA Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu; Paras Energy Managing Director, Mr Yashwant Kumar; a World Bank representative; Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and Oyo APC governorship candidate, Sarafa Alli.
