A non-governmental organisation, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), has installed sustainable solar-powered electricity to Umuolu community in Ndokwa-East local government area of Delta State.
LEADERSHIP Sunday observed that the groundbreaking achievement, which is the first electricity in the community after over 700 years, marks a significant milestone in the fight against energy poverty and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.
It was observed that Umuolu community, previously plagued by darkness and reliance on diesel and I-pass-my-neigbour generators since creation, is now basking in the glow of clean and renewable energy, through YEAC-Nigeria’s innovative solar-power project.
The 90.12kwh capacity solar-power system, designed and installed by the NGO, through its subsidiary, YEAC Community Energy and Development and YEAC- United Kingdom, is expected to improve the local economy, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life for the community.
Executive director, YEAC-Nigeria, Fyneface Dumnamene, said the organisation’s electrification of the Niger Delta community was just the beginning as the NGO continues to work tirelessly towards its mission of promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship across the region.
Fyneface said the primary purpose of the facility is to support government efforts to mitigate pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and environmental pollution by offering alternative livelihood opportunities powered by renewable energy for artisanal refiners and the youths.
He emphasized that alternative livelihood opportunities and youth empowerment are among the solutions in the Niger Delta and called upon stakeholders to support and continue investing in this transformative initiative of the organisation.
Earlier, president-general of Umuolu Development Union (UDU), Engr Isicheri Tabowei, lauded YEAC-Nigeria, their partners and contractor, NXT Grid Nigeria and the Netherlands, for their support and collaboration in making the project a reality.
