The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in partnership with Okomu Oil Producing Company (OOPC) and ETIN Power, has reached a significant milestone in expanding access to clean, reliable energy for underserved communities in the Niger Delta with the formalization of agreements to deploy a solar mini-grid in Gbelebu Community, Edo State.
The initiative represents a major step toward improving energy access, stimulating local economic activity, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the off-grid community. By combining private sector investment, technical expertise, and community participation, the project demonstrates how strategic partnerships can drive sustainable development and strengthen rural economies.
Facilitated through PIND’s Access to Energy (A2E) project, the partnership brings together key stakeholders to establish the legal, operational, and sustainability frameworks required to deliver and maintain a modern solar-powered electricity system for the community.
The agreements, signed on May 21, 2026, provide the foundation for the implementation of the mini-grid project through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a Land Transfer Agreement, and a Sustainability and Operations & Maintenance Framework. Together, these instruments outline the responsibilities of all parties and ensure that the project is positioned for long-term operational success.
Expanding Opportunities Through Sustainable Energy
Access to reliable electricity remains one of the most significant barriers to economic growth and improved livelihoods in many rural communities across the Niger Delta. Without dependable power, households, small businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities often face limitations that hinder productivity and development.
The Gbelebu mini-grid project seeks to address these challenges by providing clean and sustainable energy that can support household needs, power local enterprises, reduce operating costs for small businesses, and create new opportunities for economic growth.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Dr. Graham Hefer, emphasized the value of investing in sustainable infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits to host communities.
“Investing in energy infrastructure is an investment in the future of neighboring communities. This partnership demonstrates how corporate investment, technical expertise, and community ownership can come together to deliver meaningful and sustainable development,” he noted.
Representing PIND’s Executive Director, Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, the Economic Development Manager, Mr. Misan Edema-Sillo, highlighted the critical role of energy access in unlocking economic opportunities and strengthening community resilience.
“Reliable energy is a catalyst for economic empowerment. By connecting rural communities to sustainable power solutions, we are creating opportunities for businesses to grow, improving productivity, and supporting inclusive economic development,” he said.
Building a Sustainable Community-Owned Energy System
With the agreements now in place, the project moves into the implementation phase, where ETIN Power will deploy the solar mini-grid infrastructure and establish the operational systems required for long-term service delivery.
The project includes provisions for community participation through the establishment of a Community Power Committee and the training of local operators to support ongoing management and maintenance of the system. This approach is designed to strengthen local ownership, build technical capacity, and ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure beyond its installation.
The Chief Executive Officer of ETIN Power, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (SAN), reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering a safe, reliable, and high-quality energy solution that meets the needs of residents and businesses within the community.
Community leaders also welcomed the development, describing it as a transformative intervention that will open new opportunities for households, entrepreneurs, and future generations.
Powering Inclusive Development
The Gbelebu solar mini-grid project reflects a growing commitment among development organizations, private sector actors, and communities to pursue sustainable solutions that address critical infrastructure gaps while creating lasting social and economic impact.
Through its Access to Energy program, PIND continues to facilitate partnerships that expand access to clean energy, strengthen local markets, and improve livelihoods across the Niger Delta. Beyond the construction phase, PIND will continue to monitor implementation progress, support stakeholder engagement, and assess the project’s impact on household welfare, enterprise development, and community resilience.
By enabling access to reliable electricity, the partnership is helping to create the conditions for increased productivity, economic inclusion, and sustainable growth—bringing Gbelebu Community one step closer to a more prosperous and resilient future.
