Electricity Supply Challenges: Aide Lists Adelabu’s Landmark Power Projects Across Oyo State, Urges Public Patience

As political conversations gradually build toward the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, an aide to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called on residents to recognise the extensive electricity infrastructure projects being executed across the state under the minister’s watch.

Femi Awogboro, a close aide to the minister, said the efforts of Adelabu in strengthening power infrastructure across Oyo State deserve acknowledgement, noting that many of the ongoing projects are already improving electricity capacity and positioning the state for long-term energy stability.

Awogboro explained that while residents have expressed concerns about the current epileptic electricity supply in parts of the country, the challenge is largely linked to temporary gas supply shortages affecting power generation plants nationwide. According to him, the issue is being addressed through collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the office of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.

He said both ministries are working collectively to improve gas availability to power plants, adding that once supply stabilises, electricity generation and distribution will significantly improve across the country.

“The current supply challenge is not a failure of infrastructure but largely due to gas supply constraints affecting generation,” Awogboro said. “The Honourable Minister is working closely with the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) and other stakeholders to resolve the situation. Nigerians will begin to see improvements soon.

Awogboro emphasised that despite the temporary challenges, Adelabu has continued to push major electricity infrastructure projects that directly benefit communities in Oyo State.

He listed several initiatives already completed, ongoing, or approved across the state, including the construction and commissioning of 132/33kv mobile power substations at Ajibode in the University of Ibadan area and at the Eleyele–Sango axis.

Other projects include the ongoing upgrade of the Ayede Ring Road 330/133Kv substation under the Siemens-backed Presidential Power Initiative, approval and commencement of a new 330/133Kv substation at New Asejire, and the approval of a new 132/33Kv substation at Lalupon/Ejioku by the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

According to Awogboro, the Federal Government has also approved a 15MW solar-interconnected grid for the University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital Ibadan, while the Jericho 133/32kV substation upgrade, designed to improve electricity supply to Bodija, Sango, and Agbowo communities, is already about 98 per cent completed.

He further noted that the successful concessioning of the long-abandoned Ikere Gorge Dam will boost power generation by about 20 megawatts and supply electricity to communities across the Oke Ogun region.

Other interventions include the completion and commissioning of 33 kV power lines from Iseyin to Okeho, construction of a new 133/32 kV power substation in Saki, approval for high-voltage power lines in Kishi, and the resuscitation of abandoned substations in Igbo Ora and Lanlate.

The aide added that new high-voltage lines from Eruwa through Igbo-Ora to Idere have been completed, while solar mini-grids have been installed in several rural communities to support households and small businesses.

He also highlighted the completion of a 133/32kV substation in Ogbomosho, ongoing work to connect the facility through new lines from Ilorin, and the installation of solar-powered street lights in various towns, markets, and rural communities to improve security.

Other initiatives include the approval of highway street lighting along the Lagos–Ibadan Express from Ojoo to Shagamu and the development of interconnected mini-grids for institutions such as The Polytechnic Ibadan, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa, and Oke Ogun Polytechnic Saki.

Awogboro said approvals are also being processed for the upgrade of the Oyo single-circuit 132/33Kv substation, while work has already commenced on upgrading the Iseyin 132/33Kv substation.

Awogboro, however, cautioned those he described as political opponents who are attempting to politicise the current power situation to injure the reputation of the minister.

According to him, those engaging in such campaigns need to rethink their approach because their plans will not succeed.

“Minister Adelabu has his businesses, investments, and family deeply rooted in Oyo State. It is therefore unreasonable for anyone to suggest that he would deliberately allow the state to remain in darkness as some political enemies are trying to claim,” Awogboro said.

He added that many of those behind the criticisms understand the real reasons for the temporary electricity challenges but are choosing to exploit the situation for political gains.

“They know exactly why they are doing what they are doing, but God is above everyone. Anyone whom God has elevated cannot be brought down by human schemes,” he added.

Awogboro therefore appealed to residents of Oyo State to remain calm and patient, stressing that the ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects will soon translate into visible improvements in electricity supply.

“We appeal to the good people of Oyo State to remain patient and supportive. Just like after every tunnel there is light, the current challenges will soon give way to stable and sustainable electricity supply,” he said.

Awogboro concluded that Minister Adelabu remains committed to ensuring that both Oyo State and Nigeria benefit from reliable and sustainable electricity.

“The projects on the ground clearly show that the foundation for long-term improvement has already been laid,” Awogboro stated.