As a major step in Nigeria’s power reforms, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on Thursday, inaugurated a 63MVA, 132/33KV mobile substation at Eleyele in Ibadan.
Adelabu said the project forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s power transformation agenda, through the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), to deliver steady electricity and stimulate national development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly inaugurated substation would serve Eleyele, Apete, Ajibode, Polytechnic Ibadan, University of Ibadan, Awotan and environs.
The minister said that the substation, executed by FGN Power Company (FGNPC) in collaboration with Siemens Energy, would boost transmission capacity in the area by 50.4MW and enhance supply to homes and businesses.
He explained that 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations have been received under the PPI, with eight transformers and five substations already energised, adding over 821.6MW to the national grid.
He said that the newly inaugurated Eleyele substation and subsequent energisation of another at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) would bring additional 100.8MW, raising total transmission gain to over 922.4MW under the PPI.
Adelabu thanked Siemens Energy, the German government, financiers and stakeholders, reiterating the Tinubu administration’s resolve to invest, innovate and reform the power sector for national prosperity.
Mr Kenny Anuwe, the FGNPC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, said that the company was established by the president to implement government agenda in the power sector.
Anuwe said that the phase one of the project was underway, adding that the journey to transform the Nigeria electricity sector has began.
Mr Francis Agoha, the MD/CEO, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) said the project demonstrated government’s commitment to improve power generation in Nigeria.
Agoha, who was represented by Mrs Folasade Sanya, IBEDC Head of Technical Services, assured that residents would benefit and profit from the project.
The Alawotan of Awotan, Oba Dauda Omotoso and Mr Fabayo Rasaki, who represented the host communities, said they were happy to have the project inaugurated.
The duo in their separate remarks, urged residents to maintain and secure the facility from vandals, thanking the President and Adelabu for ensuring its completion.
