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- Partnership to power 25 underserved communities, as Gov Aiyedatiwa intensifies efforts to boost economy 

The Ondo State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, entered into a partnership aimed at improving access to electricity in many underserved communities in the State.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the two entities following a roundtable engagement held in Abuja, under the theme: "From Access to Impact: Unlocking Ondo's Renewable Energy Potential for Economic Transformation and Socioeconomic Inclusion." 

Speaking at the event, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa commended REA, a federal government agency, and its partners for the timely and strategic dialogue, which aligns perfectly with his administration's bold vision for energy access, economic growth and inclusive development.

He said: "Today's programme is not only about discussions, it marks a significant milestone the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Ondo State and the Federal REA ushering-in a new era of deep collaboration to advance sustainable electrification and localised energy solutions.

"Ondo State has established a State-level Rural Electrification Agency backed by law and structured to serve as a sub-national counterpart to the Federal REA. This agency will ensure that local electrification needs are addressed with speed, contextual relevance and strategic collaboration. It will serve as the implementation arm of the State's energy access priorities, ensuring a seamless "handshake" with national frameworks such as the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP).

"Interestingly, our efforts have made Ondo State a destination of choice for mini-grid and renewable energy developers. We offer clear regulatory pathways, fast-track permitting processes, and targeted fiscal incentives that de-risk investments and accelerate project delivery. Developers have found Ondo State to be a dependable partner in the quest to light up rural and underserved communities. And we are committed to doing more.

"Our Electricity Roadmap outlines a holistic vision: to catalyse economic transformation by powering agro-processing clusters, digital infrastructure, healthcare centres, educational institutions and SMEs. This vision is anchored in sustainability, inclusion and resilience - especially for last-mile communities in riverine, agrarian and forested zones like Ilaje, Bolorunduro, Idanre, Owo and Akoko."

The Governor added that beyond infrastructure, his administration is

exploring advanced technological options for energy storage, smart metering and data-driven energy management, to ensure that every investment translates into long-term impact.

Describing the MoU as not just symbolic but catalytic, Governor Aiyedatiwa added that the partnership signals a commitment to ensuring that access to electricity becomes a launchpad for jobs, innovation, equity and sustainable prosperity.

On his part, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, revealed that the agency has a funding pipeline of close to $1.6 billion to drive renewable energy projects across Nigeria.

According to him, the funds, sourced through a blend of public-private partnerships, multilateral institutions, and climate finance windows, are expected to accelerate the deployment of solar mini-grids, standalone systems, and other clean energy infrastructure, particularly in underserved and off-grid communities.

Aliyu said, “We have designed a program that we developed over time. Through the program, we will energise 25 communities in the entire state. So, we have the funding and we are ready to partner with the state to drive renewable energy projects.”

“The essence of this roundtable is to support some of these things that you have already started. We have Renewable Energy Service Companies that have developed competencies in deploying renewable infrastructure across the country. They go to the hardest-to-reach areas to deploy this infrastructure."

The REA boss discussed the readiness level of different states, including Ondo. He noted that Ondo state has scored four out of five in policy capacity readiness.

In his welcome address, Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr Alabi Johnson, said over the years, access to reliable and sustainable energy has remained a major barrier to growth in many rural and peri-urban communities. 

"In Ondo State, we recognize that energy is more than just power supply it is the engine that drives productivity, unlocks innovation, creates jobs, and uplifts communities from poverty to prosperity,

"Our administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has taken bold steps to ensure that the vast renewable energy resources within our reach -particularly solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro- are harnessed not just for access, but for lasting impact.

"This roundtable is a strategic platform to share insights, deepen partnerships, and craft actionable pathways toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future. It is an opportunity to listen to our stakeholders, engage with the private sector, development partners, and most importantly, to build a roadmap that ensures no one is left behind in our journey toward energy equity and inclusive development", Engr. Alabi said.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. 

July 23, 2025.

📷 Motunrayo Oyedele