The Rotary Club of Maitiama Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency has taken rural electrification to the Galuwyi community in Bwari area council of the territoty, after over 100 years of existing without electricity.
The president of Rotary Club Maitama Abuja, Alhaji Yusuf Alli, made this known during the inauguration of 30 solar panels, renovation of the health centre, refurbishing of furniture and hospital beds, and foundation laying for the maternity wing yesterday in the community.
He said the project was conceived about 10 months ago when the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency attended his inauguration as president of the club.
Alli said they did the assessment in the community and found out that in the last 40 to 50 years the village had not experienced any form of electricity, that the government had intended to provide electricity in the community but no button had been pressed to supply it, so the rural electrification agency came to their rescue.
“The agency decided to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Abuja, Maimata, and here we are today 30 households are benefiting from this solar energy project. The electricity provided can carry about 40 watts strength and the gain in it is that the users in the community are not paying one kobo for electricity.
“If they have maintenance culture, it is a lifelong project. It costs them nothing more than to maintain. Some of their children who have returned from university can now use their laptops with the little energy that they are getting,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the managing director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo, said the solar project was in partnership with the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama because it is poor people-centred.
He said the project was part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) which is currently being executed by the Office of the Vice President.
He said: “I am happy that the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama has brought the REA to its adopted village. We are happy that for the first time in 100 years, they have power supply. This solar power project has multiplier effects and it is cost effective.
“It is one of the priority areas of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) of the Federal Government being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President through the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
District Governor, District 9125 of Rotary International, Dr. Goddy Nnadi, said: “Upon findings that the community had been without light since its existence, Rotary Club of Abuja, Maitama, and REA stepped in by installing the solar power equipment.
“I plead with members of the community to ensure it is maintained and used judiciously. In this village, Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama has executed more than 13 projects.
“Our joy in Rotary is selfless service to humanity. We want to improve quality of life through our organization’s seven areas of focus. We will not relent in reaching the unreached to make life better globally.”
