Ibadan Electricity Surge: Govt Unlocks 20MW Power, 5M Lives Touched

Ibadan Electricity Surge: Govt Unlocks 20MW Power, 5M Lives Touched

Ibadan electricity is getting a powerful boost as the federal government moves to break the chains of darkness holding Oyo residents back. Two game-changing power projects are now in motion, targeting over five million people. This includes a long-forgotten hydro plant and a brand-new substation to fix the shaky supply in Ibadan.

The lifeline comes after President Tinubu’s cabinet approved a massive energy push. The first is a long-overdue revival of the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant. It was launched back in 1979 but soon faded into the background. Now, the plant is roaring back to life through a 30-year public-private deal. The power minister, Adebayo Adelabu, says this bold step will increase the plant’s electricity output from a weak 6 megawatts to a robust 20 megawatts.

“This isn’t just a repair,” Adelabu said. “It’s a complete upgrade to light up lives across Oke Ogun in Oyo.” The plant’s new operator, Quaint Power and Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is ready to roll after the previous bidder failed to act. The revised agreement includes a higher fee that guarantees the project won’t collapse again.

But that’s not all.

Another major leap is the building of a 2 x 60MVA substation in the Lalupon/Ejioku area of Lagelu local government. This substation will strengthen electricity supply to Ibadan communities like Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo, and more. Residents here have long battled unstable light and frequent blackouts.

This substation forms part of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), supported by German tech giant Siemens. It’s a cornerstone of the Federal Ministry of Power’s push to make Ibadan electricity reliable again. The PPI aims to stop daily power cuts and finally stabilize the grid in the capital of Oyo.

The impact is expected to reach homes, schools, Clinics, small businesses, and local factories. Adelabu made it clear: “We’re not just powering buildings. We’re powering lives, dreams, and growth.”

The government also has its eyes on the big picture. Alongside the Lalupon substation, the 330KV Ayede substation—built over 60 years ago—is getting an overhaul. A new 330KV substation is also on the way in Asejire. These moves will create a power web strong enough to support Oyo’s economic ambitions.

With a 24-month timeline set for completion, Adelabu says residents should expect to feel the difference soon. From better lighting at home to smooth operations for traders and health centres, the difference will be real and widespread.

This isn’t just about wiring and turbines. It’s about unlocking the potential of people who’ve waited too long in the shadows. Many Ibadan families have spent nights without electricity, unable to study, work, or store food properly. That’s about to change.

The projects will also invite new investors to the region. With stable electricity, factories and tech hubs will see Ibadan as a place to grow. Jobs will follow. So will higher earnings for local people.

Adelabu described the twin projects as a turning point. “We are setting Oyo on the path of industrial strength. These upgrades will inspire other states and fix some of the oldest energy problems we’ve had as a nation,” he said.

The announcement has already sparked optimism in the state. Local leaders, power experts, and residents believe this bold step could bring lasting relief. Though the road ahead requires close monitoring and steady funding, hope is rising.

People like Mama Kehinde, a market woman in Olodo, are already dreaming of brighter days. “Once we get steady light, our lives will change. I can run my freezer without fear,” she said.

Others like Dauda, a barber in Monatan, are eager to ditch the daily fuel expenses. “If this works, I can stop wasting money on petrol every day,” he added.

The federal government’s latest approval has set a new tone for Nigeria’s electricity future. It shows that power problems can be solved—not just debated. And Ibadan is fast becoming the symbol of that fresh start.