Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, Deputy Senate Leader and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, has called for urgent power sector reforms, renewable energy integration, and modern infrastructure upgrades to tackle the persistent electricity crisis in Offa, Kwara South Senatorial District, Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 4th Offa Engineers Webinar Series held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Senator Ashiru underscored the devastating impact of poor power supply on businesses, industries, and daily life in Offa.
The webinar, themed “Unlocking the Solutions for Optimal Power Supply in Offa LGA,” brought together policymakers, energy experts, and key stakeholders to map out a sustainable way forward.
The virtual event brought together industry experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss the persistent electricity challenges in Offa Local Government Area (LGA) and explore sustainable solutions.
Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgent need for modern power infrastructure, renewable energy adoption, and policy reforms.
He acknowledged that Offa LGA, like many parts of Nigeria, has struggled with inadequate power supply, which has hindered industrial and business growth in the area.
The Senator outlined key areas that must be addressed to ensure stable and reliable electricity supply in Offa LGA, such as infrastructure development, policy and regulatory reforms, community engagement, energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy integration, infrastructure development, among others.
Senator Lola Ashiru stressed the need to upgrade transmission and distribution networks to reduce losses and increase capacity.
He noted that Offa still relies on the obsolete power infrastructure installed in 1964, making modernization urgent.
On renewable energy integration, he emphasised the importance of solar, wind, and hydropower and called for the diversification of Nigeria’s energy sources.
In furtherance, he advocated for the adoption of smart grids and energy-efficient appliances to minimize wastage.
Ashiru encouraged active community participation in power supply management to ensure local solutions fit local needs.
Senator Ashiru reassured participants of his ongoing efforts at the National Assembly to address the power crisis through policy frameworks, regulatory oversight, and direct community interventions in Kwara South Senatorial District.
He expressed readiness to collaborate with Offa Engineers and other stakeholders to ensure the implementation of recommendations from the webinar.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Alhaji Muideen Olaniyi Azeez Salako, President of Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Global, reinforced the community’s role in ensuring power stability.
Additionally, the Ibolo Consumers Advocacy of Nigeria participated as a key stakeholder in discussions about consumer rights and advocacy in the power sector.
The webinar was moderated by Mr. Muideen Adebayo Ibrahim (MAI), Chief Executive Officer of BAMIB Resources and Investments Company, while the Chief Host, Engr. Maruf Olalekan Ajenifuja, FNIAE, welcomed participants on behalf of Offa Engineers, the event’s convener
