The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji.
The project, expected to be the largest mini-grid power scheme in North Central Nigeria, took place on Friday. Two additional mini-grid projects in Kogi East were also commissioned: a 700-kilowatt mini-grid in Offa Community, Olamaboro LGA, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina LGA.
Audu said the projects, valued at over $100 million, are part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the people of Kogi State.
He noted that the ‘Light Up Kogi’ initiative, which he is championing, aims to expand access to reliable electricity, stimulate economic growth, enhance security, and improve residents’ quality of life across Kogi East and the entire state.
Speaking during the ceremonies, the minister described the project – implemented by the Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and coinciding with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration – as underscoring the tangible impact of the government’s policies at the grassroots level.
He said: “Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people. Through our engagements with the REA and the Federal Ministry of Power, we have secured over 40 mini-grid electrification projects across the nine local government areas of Igala land. In the coming months, communities across the region will begin to witness the benefits of these interventions.”
Minister Audu further disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank through the REA, had secured nearly $100 million in funding for mini-grid projects across Igala land. He urged communities to cooperate fully with government officials and project developers to ensure smooth execution.
He added that access to reliable electricity remains one of the most critical enablers of economic growth and social development, noting that the projects will create opportunities for businesses to thrive, improve healthcare and educational services, enhance security, and raise the overall standard of living.
Audu expressed gratitude to the Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the project, and to the Managing Director of the REA, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for the agency’s partnership, technical expertise, and support.
He also commended traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Egume, Offa, and Emewe Efopa communities for their cooperation and support.
The Managing Director of the REA, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, commended Prince Audu for his commitment to attracting development to Kogi State, particularly Kogi East, describing him as a reliable and effective representative of Kogi State at the Federal Executive Council. He noted that Audu’s consistent engagement has ensured the region receives strategic federal attention and energy investments.
“The Minister has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of his people. Through his efforts, about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land. These projects will deliver reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities, creating new economic opportunities for the people,” he said.
Aliyu further explained that the project would be situated on over five hectares of land and integrated with existing electricity infrastructure to guarantee sustainable power supply. He expressed optimism that the Egume project would be completed within six months, urging residents to position themselves to take advantage of the economic opportunities accompanying improved electricity access.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty Alhaji (Dr) Usman Obaje, OON, thanked the minister for being a true son of his father, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, and a worthy son of the soil. He thanked him for bringing such a magnanimous project to Igala land and assured support for the Renewed Hope Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
