Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, has described the commissioning of the 504-kilowatt Interconnected Mini-Grid in Epe and the groundbreaking of its 5-megawatt expansion as a major milestone in the quest to address perennial electricity challenges in Epe Local Government Area.

The project, facilitated by Senator Abiru in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the European Union and the German Government through GIZ, was officially commissioned on Wednesday in Epe, Lagos State, reaffirming the lawmaker's commitment to attracting impactful infrastructure and development projects to communities across the senatorial district.

Senator Abiru, who was represented at the event by a former Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulateef Rotimi Abiru, noted that the successful delivery of the project marked the culmination of over four years of sustained advocacy, engagements and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Epe benefited from the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS).

According to the senator, the project represents much more than an energy intervention, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, enterprise development and improved living standards for residents.

"This project did not happen by accident. It is the result of years of persistent engagement, advocacy and collaboration. Since the initiative commenced over four years ago, we remained committed to ensuring its successful delivery because we understood the transformative impact reliable electricity would have on our people and local economy," he stated.

The Lagos East lawmaker explained that the commissioning of the 505kW mini-grid was only the first phase of a broader energy intervention, as the groundbreaking of the 5MW expansion project would significantly increase power supply capacity and support the growing economic activities within Epe Division.

He noted that the larger project would benefit businesses, agro-processing, fish merchants, artisans, schools, healthcare facilities and thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises that have long struggled with inadequate electricity supply in Epe, and its environs.

Abiru commended the Rural Electrification Agency, the European Union and GIZ for partnering to bring the project to Epe, describing the collaboration as a model for sustainable development.

The senator also linked the success of the initiative to the infrastructure and economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda has created a more enabling environment for investments in critical sectors, including power.

According to him, the Federal Government's commitment to expanding energy access, strengthening electricity infrastructure and supporting innovative energy solutions is already yielding tangible results across the country.

"What we are witnessing today is a practical demonstration of how national policies can translate into real benefits for ordinary citizens. President Tinubu's reforms are empowering institutions and creating opportunities for communities to access critical infrastructure that supports economic growth and development," he said.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions reiterated his commitment to pursuing people-centred interventions that address the needs of constituents and unlock economic opportunities across Lagos East.

Abiru also urged residents to protect public infrastructure and continue supporting policies and programmes that promote development, while calling on Nigerians to sustain their support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

"The progress we are witnessing today is the product of purposeful leadership, strategic investments and continuity in governance. We must continue to support leaders and policies that are delivering measurable results and creating opportunities for our people," he stated.

Dignitaries at the event included the Honourable Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe; Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership,; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Aliyu; Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Inga Stefanowicz; Head of Development Cooperation, German Embassy, Ms. Karin Jansen; Cluster Coordinator, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Duke Benjamin; HRM Oba Maruffdeen Adelani Adeniyi, The Alagbajo of Odogbawojo Kingdom, HRM Oba Kolawole Ayodele Aliru, The Alade Uraka of Poka Kingdom, Chief Imam Soliu Ahmed, President, League of Imams and Alfas, Eredo LCDA, Alara-in-council and Hon. Lateef Adesanya, Vice-Chairman, Eredo LCDA.