The quiet town of Egume in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State witnessed a landmark moment on Friday as the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project expected to become the largest of its kind in North Central Nigeria.
The project, alongside the commissioning of a 700-kilowatt mini-grid in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community in Dekina, signals a major step toward addressing one of the most persistent challenges facing rural communities in Nigeria—access to reliable electricity.
For decades, many communities across Kogi East have struggled with irregular power supply, limiting economic activities, hampering healthcare delivery, and slowing educational development. The new projects are expected to change that narrative by bringing sustainable and affordable electricity closer to homes, businesses, schools, and health facilities.
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Speaking during the ceremony, Prince Audu described the projects as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Valued at over $100 million, the initiatives form part of a broader strategy to expand energy access across underserved communities. According to the minister, the projects are being implemented through the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with support from development partners including the World Bank.
At the heart of the intervention is the “Light Up Kogi” initiative championed by Audu, a programme designed to improve electricity access across the state. Beyond illuminating homes, the initiative aims to stimulate local economies, enhance security, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
For many residents of Egume, the project represents more than just electricity poles and solar infrastructure; it symbolizes economic opportunity. Reliable electricity is expected to boost small businesses, encourage investment, and reduce the dependence on costly generators that have long drained the resources of households and entrepreneurs.
Healthcare facilities in the benefiting communities are also expected to gain significantly. With stable power supply, hospitals and clinics can better preserve vaccines, operate medical equipment efficiently, and provide improved services to patients. Educational institutions stand to benefit as well, with students and teachers gaining access to better learning environments and digital opportunities.
During his address, Audu revealed that through engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power, more than 40 mini-grid electrification projects had been secured across the nine local government areas of Igala land.
He disclosed that nearly $100 million in funding had been secured through collaboration between the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the REA for mini-grid projects within the region. He urged host communities to cooperate with contractors and government officials to ensure the timely and successful completion of the projects.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, noting that renewable energy projects worth about 29 megawatts had been attracted to Kogi State, with almost 20 megawatts concentrated in Igala land.
According to Aliyu, the Egume project will occupy more than five hectares of land and will be integrated with existing electricity infrastructure to ensure sustainable power delivery. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within six months.
Energy experts have consistently identified rural electrification as one of the most effective tools for poverty reduction and economic growth. Access to reliable power enables businesses to extend operating hours, supports agricultural processing activities, and encourages the growth of new enterprises.
In many parts of rural Nigeria, young entrepreneurs often face significant obstacles due to poor electricity supply. The mini-grid model, which combines renewable energy technologies with localized distribution networks, has increasingly emerged as a practical solution for communities beyond the reach of stable national grid infrastructure.
The significance of the Egume project extends beyond Kogi State. As Nigeria seeks to expand energy access and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, successful mini-grid projects could provide a blueprint for similar interventions across the country.
Community leaders have welcomed the development with enthusiasm. Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, OON, praised Prince Audu for bringing what he described as a transformational project to Igala land.
The monarch assured the support of local communities and expressed optimism that the project would unlock new opportunities for economic and social advancement.
As construction begins, expectations are high. For residents of Egume, Offa, and Emewe Efopa, the promise of reliable electricity represents more than infrastructure—it offers hope for growth, prosperity, and a brighter future. If delivered as planned, the project could become a defining example of how targeted energy investments can transform rural communities and accelerate development across Nigeria.
