By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE FEDERAL Government has cleared two transformative energy projects for Oyo State, signalling a renewed commitment to overhauling critical power infrastructure.
At the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, authorities greenlit the revival and concessioning of the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant alongside the construction of a state-of-the-art substation in Ibadan.
The Ikere Gorge facility, dormant for years, is set for a major upgrade.
Originally launched in 1979 and brought online in 1980, the plant’s capacity will expand from 6MW to 20MW under a 30-year public-private partnership.
The Ministry of Power confirmed that the contract has been re-awarded to Messrs Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited after the previous bidder failed to fulfil contractual obligations.
The restructured concession includes an upwardly reviewed fee, with the project now prioritising electricity delivery to underserved communities in Oke Ogun.
Meanwhile, a new 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV substation will rise in the Lalupon/Ejioku axis of Lagelu Local Government Area.
This installation is part of the Siemens-backed Presidential Power Initiative and will serve densely populated districts including Iwo Road, Monatan, and Olodo. Officials say the substation will relieve pressure on the fragile grid and stabilise electricity supply across the city.
Complementing this effort are upgrades to the ageing 330KV Ayede substation and the construction of a new 330KV station in Asejire. Collectively, these infrastructure improvements aim to stabilise grid operations for over five million residents and are expected to conclude within 24 months.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu described the developments as pivotal to unlocking Oyo’s economic potential.
He stressed the link between energy access and investment, noting that the interventions will directly improve service delivery in homes, schools, hospitals, and local industries.
The projects, he added, form a cornerstone of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promising long-term returns for national productivity and regional development.
