Gbelebu Community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State has received a major electricity boost with the commissioning of a new solar hybrid mini-grid designed to provide more reliable power to homes and businesses.
The project was delivered through a partnership between Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), ETIN Power Limited and Gbelebu Community.
The new mini-grid has a 61kWp solar generation capacity, supported by a 50kW inverter and 154kWh battery storage system. It will initially provide electricity to about 100 households and small businesses in the community.
The project is expected to reduce the dependence of residents and business owners on petrol and diesel generators. By providing an alternative source of electricity, the partners believe the facility will help reduce energy costs and create better conditions for businesses to operate.
The mini-grid was officially commissioned by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.
The project forms part of Okomu Oil Palm’s ₦1.2bn three-year partnership with PIND, which was established in 2025 to support development across communities hosting the company’s operations in Edo State.
The wider partnership covers several areas, including peacebuilding, youth employment, agriculture, access to finance and renewable energy.
The solar project was funded through Okomu Oil Palm’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Its implementation was guided by an agreement involving Okomu, PIND, ETIN Power and Gbelebu Community.
The agreement included arrangements covering electricity purchases, land use and the long-term operation and maintenance of the facility.
Okomu Oil Palm provided the investment and served as the host partner, while PIND supported the project from the planning stage through community engagement, technical preparation and implementation.
ETIN Power was responsible for designing and installing the mini-grid and will continue to operate the facility.
The Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm, Dr Graham Hefer, said the project demonstrated the company’s commitment to providing practical and sustainable benefits to communities around its operations.
He described investment in electricity infrastructure as an investment in the future of neighbouring communities, noting that collaboration between businesses, technical experts and residents could produce lasting development.
PIND’s Programmes Director, Dr Effiong Essien, said reliable electricity could have a significant impact on livelihoods and local businesses.
He, however, stressed that the success of the project would depend on the community taking responsibility for protecting the facility and using the electricity productively.
ETIN Power’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, also assured residents that the company would provide safe and reliable electricity services to homes and businesses.
To support the project, a Community Power Committee has been established. Local operators will also receive training to help with customer relations, system management and routine maintenance.
With the commissioning, commercial electricity services have officially started in Gbelebu.
The partners expect the project to improve living conditions, support local businesses and demonstrate how renewable energy can provide a practical solution to electricity challenges in underserved Nigerian communities.
