How Solar Energy Transformed Business and Family Life in Oko Ile, Oyo State

In Oko Ile community of Oyo State, the lives of residents have taken a turn for the better, thanks to the installation of a solar mini-grid. Among the many individuals who have experienced positive changes is Oladele, a local businessman who now enjoys the benefits of reliable electricity.

Oladele and his wife run a small shop in the community, where they sell chilled drinks and other essentials. Before the arrival of the solar mini-grid, powering their business was a daily challenge. “We relied on phone-charger vendors to charge our phones,” Oladele recalls. “To keep my wife’s shop running, we had to use a petrol generator, which we turned on for at least three and a half hours every day just to chill the drinks in our freezer.”

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The constant struggle with fuel costs and the noise of the generator made daily life difficult. But everything changed when Havenhill Synergy commissioned the 25kWp solar mini-grid in Oko Ile in 2021. With consistent access to electricity, Oladele and his family have seen a remarkable improvement in their quality of life.

Through the Havenhill Appliance Finance scheme, Oladele was able to purchase a brand-new freezer for his wife’s shop, making it easier to serve cold drinks to their customers. The old freezer, now moved to their home, is still in use, ensuring that the family has cold storage for their personal needs. 

The benefits extend beyond their business. With the reliable electricity from the solar mini-grid, Oladele’s children can complete their school homework on time, without worrying about power outages. “We no longer use the traditional charcoal pressing iron for our children’s school uniforms,” Oladele shares. “Now, I can simply plug in the electric pressing iron whenever I choose.”

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The transformation in Oko Ile illustrates the power of renewable energy. For Oladele and his family, the solar mini-grid has brought not only convenience but also a sense of security and well-being. The days of struggling with unreliable power sources are over, and the future looks bright for the Oladele family and their community.

This story is just one example of how sustainable energy solutions can make a real difference in the lives of people in rural areas. With the ongoing efforts of companies like Havenhill Synergy, more communities across Nigeria will continue to benefit from the clean, reliable power of solar energy.

Beyond Electrons is a series which focuses on highlighting impact stories that showcase how our mini-grids are electrifying homes, and businesses and transforming lives.

Read the previous episode of Beyond Electrons here.

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