FG lights up Abuja community with 40Wp solar after decades of darkness

Rafinzurufi Community in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been connected with a 40kWp solar hybrid mini-grid after decades in darkness.

The Federal Government, through its implementing agency, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), on Saturday commissioned the project, stressing the need to connect underserved and unserved communities across the country.

The project, completed under the Rural Electrification Fund’s Call Two programme, is expected to provide clean, safe, affordable, and reliable electricity to the residents of Rafinzurufi.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, represented by her Special Adviser, Michael Bawa, underscored the project’s significance.

“Beyond the illumination of a vibrant community such as Rafinzurufi, there is no doubt that the men, women, and children in this community will now experience socioeconomic transformation like never before.

“Electricity is a catalyst, and access to sustainable electricity creates opportunities and possibilities for previously unconnected citizens. This is why the work being done in rural communities by the REA further shows that the Federal Government of Nigeria is keen on leaving no one behind in the delivery of its developmental programmes,” she stated.

REA Managing Director, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, represented by the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Uboh, reiterated the agency’s commitment to electrifying rural communities.

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

The project was executed by Nato Tropical Technology Limited, whose Chief Executive Officer, Anayo Okenwa, highlighted the impact of the new power infrastructure.

“This project has reversed rural-urban migration. The community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings. We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank the Rural Electrification Agency for their support to us and for the development of electricity projects across the country,” Okenwa noted.

The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Jibrin Giri, represented by Muhammad Ibrahim Gasheda, congratulated the residents of Rafinzurufi on the successful implementation of the project.

“To the people of Rafinzurufi, I say congratulations. I appreciate your support and cooperation during the implementation of this project. It is my prayer that it will help attract more investors to this community,” he said.

The traditional ruler of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Dikko Musa, expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, stating, “This project has now made us believe in the promises of the Federal Government. Indeed, this is a sign that the Government has not forgotten the rural people of this country.”