How Solar Power Transformed Adafila Community: The Story of Imam Salami and Reliable Electricity Access in Rural Nigeria

For decades, the people of Adafila in Oyo State lived without electricity. Nights were quiet but dark, and the sound of generators often filled the air for those who could afford them. For many others, like Deputy Chief Imam Salami Adedayo Ismaila, the lack of power was not just an inconvenience but a limitation.

“My business is centered around education, publication, and farming,” Imam Salami shared. “When I was born, there was no electricity here. We only experienced it when we visited cities like Ilorin or Ogbomoso, mostly during Sallah breaks.”

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In the early 1990s, when he started his business, electricity was a daily struggle. Powering his operations meant relying on a generator, which was a constant cycle of noise, fuel costs, and mechanical breakdowns.

“At times, we would be working and then the generator would suddenly break down. We’d have to stop everything, go look for a mechanic – sometimes even take the generator all the way to Ogbomoso or Ilorin to fix it. It was tough,” he recalled.

That reality changed when Havenhill Synergy deployed a 100kW solar mini-grid in Adafila, bringing reliable electricity to over 4,000 residents. The impact has been profound, not just for homes and businesses, but for community leaders like Imam Salami, whose work now runs seamlessly.

“Now, we enjoy stable electricity. On average, we get almost 20 hours of power a day, and that’s more than enough,” he said with a smile. “I’ve abandoned my old generator, and even sold the new one I bought. Those noisy days are behind us.”

Beyond powering livelihoods, the mini-grid has powered peace of mind. The Imam calls the project “water for the thirsty”, a blessing that revived economic and social life in Adafila.

“We really appreciate them a lot because they were the ones that provide water for us when we were thirsty. May God continue to empower them as they are empowering the less privileged.”

Watch the full story here:

A Brighter Adafila

Today, Adafila stands as proof that access to clean, reliable energy can transform not just businesses, but entire communities. Faith leaders like Imam Salami now teach, print, and farm with confidence – powered by solar energy that brings light, dignity, and opportunity to their daily lives.

At Havenhill Synergy, we believe that powering rural communities goes beyond electricity; it’s about restoring hope, enabling livelihoods, and empowering people to dream bigger.