The Rural Electrification Agency has inaugurated a 40-kilowatts peak solar hybrid mini grid in Rafinzurufi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The project which was completed under the Rural Electrification Fund – Call 2 programme, will provide clean, safe, affordable and reliable electricity for the community members.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, the  Minister of State, FCT,  Mariya Mahmoud, said that residents of Rafinzurufi community would experience socioeconomic transformation like never before.

The minister, represented by her Special Adviser, Michael Bawa, said that access to sustainable electricity would create opportunities and possibilities to previously unconnected citizens.

She said, “This is why the work being done in rural communities by the REA further shows that the Federal Government is keen on leaving no one behind in the delivery of its developmental programmes.’’

The REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said that the project reiterated the agency’s commitment to electrifying rural communities.

Mr Aliyu, represented by the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Uboh, said that the mini grid would brighten the community.

“Today, as we officially inaugurate this mini-grid, we are not merely ushering in brighter nights and productive days in this vibrant community but unlocking opportunities for all,” he said.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Nato Tropical Technology Limited, Anayo Okenwa, said that the project would reverse rural urban migration.

According to him, the community is expanding and the kind of development electricity it’s bringing can be felt.

He said, “We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank REA for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country.”

The Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Giri, represented by Muhammad Gasheda, congratulated the people of Rafinzurfi.

Mr Giri appreciated the community’s support and cooperation during the implementation of the project.

 He stated, “It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community’.”

On his part, the Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa, said that the project made the community believe in the promises of the Federal Government.

He said, “Indeed, this is a sign that the government has not forgotten the rural people in this country.’’

(NAN)