Youths Seek Deeper REA Partnership On South-South Electrification

The South-South Youth Council of Nigeria has pressed the Rural Electrification Agency for stronger collaboration to expand power projects across the oil-rich South-South region.

The youth body made the call during a meeting with the REA management at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement over the weekend, the SSYCN National Spokesperson, Comrade Abodei Joseph, said the delegation was led by the Board of Trustees Secretary, Comrade Oyeintonbra Friday Theophilus.

The National President, Comrade Emieye Kemepade Romeo, was represented by the Chief of Staff to the President, Comrade Godspower Olotu, alongside other council members.

Addressing the meeting, Oyeintonbra commended the REA for its electrification projects nationwide but urged the agency to site more interventions in the South-South.

He said the council was particularly interested in partnering on the Energising Economies Initiative for MSMEs and the Energising Education Programme for tertiary institutions.

According to him, off-grid renewable solutions such as solar power and mini-grids would boost economic growth and provide clean, sustainable electricity to rural and underserved communities in the region.

The council also invited the REA to a South-South Youth Stakeholders Roundtable Town Hall meeting scheduled for March 2026 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Responding, the REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu welcomed the delegation and briefed them on the agency’s projects in the South-South.

He cited the solar-powered mini-grid at the University of Port Harcourt as a reference point and pledged that more projects would be delivered in the region.

Aliyu accepted the invitation to the town hall meeting, requesting a formal letter, and assured that the agency would send a delegation.

Also present at the meeting was the Chairman of the Isoko Ex-Agitators Forum (PAP), Gen. Lucky Jonah, among others.