Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, and ETIN Power Limited and Gbelebu Community, has commissioned a solar hybrid mini-grid in Gbelebu Community, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

A statement from the partners on Friday stated that the facility, which comprises 61kWp of solar generation capacity, a 50kW inverter and 154kWh of battery storage, will initially supply electricity to 100 households and micro, small and medium enterprises in the community.

The project is expected to reduce reliance on diesel and petrol generators and lower energy costs for households and businesses. The mini-grid was inaugurated by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.

The project is part of Okomu’s N1.2bn, three-year partnership with PIND, formalised in 2025, to support development initiatives across its host communities in Edo State. The partnership covers peacebuilding, youth employment, agricultural development, access to finance and renewable energy.

Funded through Okomu’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, the project was delivered under an implementation framework formalised by Okomu, PIND, ETIN Power and Gbelebu Community in May 2026.

The framework includes a Power Purchase Agreement, Land Transfer Agreement, and Sustainability and Operations and Maintenance Framework.

Okomu provided the investment and served as the host partner, while PIND facilitated the project from concept development through community engagement, technical planning and implementation oversight. ETIN Power designed and installed the system and will operate it.

The Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Dr Graham Hefer, said the project reflected the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable and measurable benefits to its host communities.

“Investing in energy infrastructure is an investment in the future of neighboring communities. This project demonstrates how corporate investment, technical expertise, and community ownership can come together to deliver meaningful and sustainable development,” Hefer said.

Speaking at the commissioning, PIND’s Programs Director, Dr. Effiong Essien, said the project demonstrated how partnerships could improve electricity access in underserved communities.

“Reliable electricity is more than infrastructure; it is an enabler of livelihoods, enterprise growth, and community resilience. However, the lasting value of this investment will depend on community stewardship and ownership.

“This facility is now under Gbelebu’s collective watch, and protecting it, using the electricity productively, and supporting its proper operation will be essential to its optimal utility and long-term sustainability,” Essien said.

The Chief Executive Officer of ETIN Power Limited, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (SAN), reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing Gbelebu with a safe, reliable and high-quality electricity service for residents and businesses.

A Community Power Committee has been established, while local operators will be trained to support customer engagement, system management and routine maintenance. The commissioning marks the commencement of commercial electricity services in Gbelebu.