Mohammed Shosanya
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a non-governmental organisation,has launched a sustainable solar power system for domestic and industrial use.
The development marks a significant milestone in the fight against energy poverty and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
The 90.12kwh capacity solar powered system was designed and installed by YEAC-Nigeria through its subsidiary, YEAC Community Energy and Development and YEAC-UK is expected to empower the local economy, improve healthcare, education, and overall quality of life for the community.
At the commissioning on Monday, the Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, Mr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, said YEAC’s electrification of Umuolu was just the beginning of his organisation’s mission of promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship across the Niger Delta region.
He explained that the primary purpose of the facility was to support government efforts in mitigating 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 emphasised that alternative livelihood opportunities and youth empowerment were among the many solutions in the Niger Delta, however called upon stakeholders to support and continue to invest in the innovative initiative.
He said: “The primary purpose of this facility is to support the government’s and other organisation’ sefforts to mitigate pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries, and associated environmental pollution in the Niger Delta by offering alternative livelihood opportunities powered by renewable energy and thereby reinforcing positive behaviour for environmental protection and sustainability.
“The idea of contributing to Nigeria’s oil theft mitigation mechanisms through community energy for households and its productive use also posited that with households powered, people would no longer use illegally refined petroleum products, particularly DPK and PMS, to energise their homes. This would shrink the market for illegal refiners and reduce incidents of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries, and environmental pollution, as their supply chain and demand would drastically drop in communities with clean, renewable, and sustainable solar electricity.
“Technically, the design of this mini-grid allows for a full capacity of 90 kwh, which can connect at least 262 houses, including businesses in Umuolu, with potentials for expansion based on observed increased energy consumption levels.
He further stated:”Generally across the Niger Delta, including Umuolu, and in line with our government-approved mandate “to campaign against oil theft, artisanal refineries, and pollution,” we have earmarked 10 solar mini-grids for installation in different communities without electricity in the next couple of years to effectively strengthen our contributions to the fight against pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refineries, and environmental pollution through alternative livelihood opportunities powered by clean and renewable energy for artisanal refiners and youths.
“With the successfully installation, operation and inauguration of Umuolu solar mini-grid today, YEAC-Nigeria has increased the list of its initiatives aimed at oil theft mitigation mechanisms for Nigeria which include our proposed Presidential Artisanal Crude Oil Refining Development Initiative (PACORDI) that recommends the innovation and legalization of artisanal refineries, Network on Organised Crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea (NOCINAG) which has been modified by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR for establishment as ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), initiation of National Conference on organized Crime in Nigerian and the Gulf (NOCACINAG) as a platform for annual deliberations on ways to tackle organize crime in Nigeria and the West African Subregion.”
The environmental justice campaigner, who solicited support to extend the initiative to other communities in the Niger Delta, noted that the initiative has the capacity to dissuade illegal oil bunkering and vandalising in the Niger Delta region.
“With additional funding, YEAC-CEAD can also expand its efforts to assist Umuolu youths in establishing and growing small and medium-scale enterprises powered by this mini-grid. This will not only provide them with sustainable livelihoods but also help dissuade them from engaging in illegal artisanal refineries, which have devastating impacts on our environment, health, and the livelihoods of our fishermen and farmers.
“Together, we can create a future where renewable energy powers our community, empowers our youth to engage in meaningful economic activities, and protects our environment for future generations.”
Earlier, President General of Umuolu Development Union, Engr. Isicheri Stanley Tabowei, lauded Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, their partners and contractor, NXT Grid Nigeria and the Netherlands, for their support and collaboration in making the project a reality.
Tabowei said the community which is over 700 years old had never experienced electricity other than from generators.
“The commissioning of the solar-powered mini-grid marks a new era of energy independence and environmental stewardship. By harnessing the abundant power of the sun, we not only ensuring a consistent and sustainable energy supply but also reducing carbon footprint. This project aligns perfectly with our national goals of promoting green energy and combating climate change.
“This electrification project will provide numerous benefits to our community. It will power homes, businesses, schools, churches, the hospital, fostering economic growth and improving the standard of living for our people. This project is not just about electricity; it is about creating opportunities, transforming lives and taking our children away from societal ills.
“Furthermore, this initiative sets a powerful example for future projects like telecommunication, road construction and others. It demonstrates that with innovation, determination and collaboration, we can overcome the challenges of our time and build brighter future for all.
“As we commission this solar powered mini-grid, let it be known that Umuolu community committed no funds in the execution of this project. I thank the “Uti family” and community leadership for making the parcel of land where this project is located free of charge to YEAC and Nxt Grid. I believe very strongly that, there would be a replication of this in some of our neighbouring communities,” he added.