Statecraft Foundation on Saturday hailed the inauguration of a mini power grid in Abuja’s Gwagwalada community, saying the development would help citizens in rural areas. 

The Rural Electrification Agency had on August 16 inaugurated a 40-kilowatt peak solar hybrid mini-grid in Rafin-Zurfi, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The project was completed under the Rural Electrification Fund – Call two programme, and 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 Rafin-Zurfi 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 for 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 of Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Giri, represented by Muhammad Gasheda, congratulated the people of Rafin-Zurfi.

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

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

On his part, the Etsu of Rafin-Zurfi, 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.’’

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emmanuel Obiabo, Tradecraft Foundation urged other interested individuals and organisations to intensify efforts to electrify backwater communities.

“We are, by this statement, applauding the effort of REA and its partners who have shown that last-mile and off-grid communities like Rafin-Zurfi can and should have access to sustainable energy solutions, which will in turn address energy poverty and promote economic development of rural areas. 

“We also call on REA, the Electricity Distribution Companies, and other stakeholders to speed up efforts in closing the energy access gap of communities with similar status, such as Ijah-Pada in Kwali, Naharati in Abaji, and other communities within and outside the FCT,” the foundation said.