The Okanlomo Oodua Worldwide and Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief (Engr.) Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has described the 17.7-megawatt (MW) Hybrid Interconnected Mini-Grid Project in Ibadan as a major step towards improving electricity access and stimulating economic development in Ibadanland and Oyo State.
Chief Sanusi, in a special message of appreciation, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Power, the relevant project partners and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, (Arusa 1) for their roles in advancing the initiative.
He said the project represented renewed hope for residents, small-business owners, market women, artisans, students and entrepreneurs who have continued to contend with the effects of unreliable electricity supply.
According to him, the significance of the project goes beyond the provision of electricity, as reliable power supply could help strengthen livelihoods, improve business productivity, support education and create opportunities for economic growth.
Chief Sanusi noted that electricity remained a critical requirement for the development of small and medium-scale enterprises, adding that dependable power could reduce the burden of alternative energy costs on businesses and households.
The Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort boss explained that when electricity becomes more accessible, traders would be better positioned to preserve their goods, artisans could operate their equipment more efficiently, students could study under improved conditions, and young entrepreneurs could pursue their business ambitions with greater confidence.
The Ibadan-born businessman and philanthropist expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity access and supporting infrastructure development.
He said the true measure of leadership was the positive impact of government policies and interventions on the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
According to him, the successful implementation of the 17.7MW project would provide meaningful relief to communities and businesses affected by inadequate electricity supply.
Chief Sanusi expressed the hope that the project would progress beyond its groundbreaking stage to full implementation, with the intended communities benefiting from a reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
He prayed that the initiative would become a lasting example of development that improves living conditions and expands economic opportunities for residents of Ibadanland.
Chief Sanusi also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Power, the Rural Electrification Agency, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Paras Energy and other development partners involved in the project, adding that the collaboration among government institutions, electricity distribution operators and private-sector partners demonstrated the importance of collective action in addressing Nigeria’s power challenges.
The traditional titleholder further commended the engineers, technical professionals, planners and implementation teams whose work would be essential to delivering the project’s objectives.
He urged all stakeholders to ensure that implementation was transparent, efficient and sustainable, stressing that the ultimate success of the initiative would be measured by the quality and reliability of electricity delivered to beneficiary communities.
Chief Sanusi reserved special commendation for his revered royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, whose presence at the groundbreaking ceremony, according to him, reflected the monarch’s commitment to the welfare and development of Ibadanland.
He described the Olubadan as a custodian of the people’s cultural heritage and a symbol of unity, wisdom and service to the community.
The Okanlomo Oodua said traditional institutions had an important role to play in encouraging development initiatives that promote the welfare, dignity and prosperity of their people.
Expressing his admiration for the monarch’s leadership, Sanusi prayed for his continued good health, long life and divine wisdom to guide Ibadanland towards greater prosperity.
Addressing the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, Sanusi said the project should serve as a reminder that development must ultimately be measured by its impact on human lives.
He stressed that communities deserved reliable electricity, businesses needed an enabling environment to prosper, and children required infrastructure that would allow them to pursue their educational ambitions.
He maintained that the most significant milestone would not simply be the groundbreaking ceremony, but the point at which households received electricity, businesses operated more efficiently and residents experienced measurable improvements in power supply.
Chief Sanusi expressed optimism that the project, if successfully implemented, would contribute to economic activity, improve the operating environment for local businesses and strengthen the development prospects of the beneficiary communities.
He called for sustained commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that the anticipated benefits of the initiative translated into practical improvements in people’s lives.
The Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland concluded by praying for President Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland, asking Almighty God to grant Nigeria peace, unity and sustainable prosperity.
He also prayed that the 17.7MW electricity initiative would mark the beginning of a new phase of development and improved living conditions across Ibadanland.
“May the light of progress never be extinguished in our beloved land,” Chief Sanusi declared.
