By Uchenna Eletuo
Residents of Epe in Lagos State have commended the improved electricity supply in their communities, saying it has boosted commercial activities, reduced business costs and enhanced living standards.
The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, said the steady power supply had particularly improved value addition in agriculture and strengthened local economic activities.
NAN reports that the Federal Government recently inaugurated the 505-kilowatt Epe Mini-Grid Project under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) to improve access to electricity in underserved communities.
The project, implemented under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), provides reliable and sustainable electricity to five communities in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The benefiting communities are Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora and Ibowon, while the project is expected to support businesses, households and socio-economic development activities.
The mini-grid was implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and co-financed by the European Union, the German Government and the German Agency for International Cooperation.
The funding support was provided through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), a technical assistance initiative designed to enhance sustainable energy access across Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, a flour miller, Mr Jacob Ajibade, said the improved electricity supply had enabled him to expand his business operations beyond maize processing into other profitable ventures.
“Unlike before, when I restricted my business to processing only corn flour, I can now process plantain flour and other products because of regular electricity supply.
“I am happy with the steady power because it enables me to meet customers’ demands without interruption and increase my income to better support my family,” Ajibade said.
He said reliable electricity had improved productivity and reduced the challenges previously associated with unstable power supply.
A fish trader at Ayetoro Market, Mrs Boseade Kaka-Ajila, said the reliable electricity supply had significantly improved fish preservation and reduced losses previously caused by poor storage conditions.
According to her, she stores her fish at home in Ora before transporting them to the market, making reliable electricity essential for maintaining product quality.
“The regular electricity at home has given me peace of mind because I no longer worry about my fish spoiling or losing value due to poor preservation,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Ishaka Lawal, a barber, said the steady power supply had eliminated his dependence on petrol-powered generators and significantly reduced his operating expenses.
“I no longer spend money on fuel to run my barbing salon and I still charge N700 for a haircut, the same amount as before.
“I now make more profit. However, our association will meet on Saturday to decide whether to reduce the price.
“Even if prices are reviewed downward, we will still be better off because we are no longer spending heavily on fuel,” Lawal added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)