Ekiti State has taken a significant step toward ending energy poverty in its rural communities, as Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for the implementation of off-grid electricity projects across the state. The agreement marks a bold commitment to expand access to clean, reliable, and affordable power in unserved and underserved areas.
The MoU was signed during the REA’s “State-by-State Round Table Engagement” with Ekiti State in Abuja. Themed “Leveraging Public-Private Partnership for Scaleable Energy Access Infrastructure,” the forum brought together government officials, energy developers, and key stakeholders to discuss solutions for bridging the electricity gap in underserved communities. For Ekiti, the engagement signals more than policy—it represents action, vision, and a drive to build a future where no citizen is left in darkness.
Governor Oyebanji, speaking at the event, said the initiative goes beyond infrastructure and power generation. According to him, it is about lighting up homes, powering local economies, and giving every Ekiti resident—regardless of location—a fair chance at prosperity. He explained that energy access is at the heart of sustainable development, and that off-grid electricity is the key to unlocking rural potential across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and enterprise.
The governor emphasized that communities without access to electricity often suffer deep disadvantages. Without power, schools can’t function effectively, health clinics can’t store vaccines, small businesses can’t grow, and farmers can’t process or preserve their produce. He stressed that this partnership with the REA will directly address those barriers and lay the groundwork for stronger, more inclusive economic development.
By adopting off-grid solutions tailored to the realities of rural areas, the state is not only promoting energy access but also creating opportunities for innovation and local participation. Oyebanji noted that Ekiti’s rural electrification strategy prioritizes sustainability, affordability, and partnerships with private-sector actors who are eager to invest in clean energy projects. He commended the REA for its leadership in driving off-grid electrification across the country and expressed confidence that the collaboration would deliver tangible results for Ekiti residents.
The governor called on development partners, energy investors, and stakeholders to support the rollout of these projects, pointing out that Ekiti has already begun creating an enabling environment for energy investments. He assured all stakeholders that his administration remains fully committed to transparency, collaboration, and accountability in executing the projects outlined in the agreement.
Officials from the REA welcomed Ekiti’s proactive approach and expressed their readiness to provide the technical support and expertise needed to implement the projects. They described the MoU as a model for how sub-national governments can work hand-in-hand with federal agencies to drive energy access and empower communities.
With this agreement in place, the people of Ekiti can look forward to a future where energy access is no longer a privilege for the few, but a fundamental right for all. Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to rural development through electrification sends a clear message: no community will be left behind in the state’s journey toward growth, equity, and modernisation
