The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center (YEAC), a non-governmental organization, has inaugurated a solar mini-grid electricity facility in Umuolu, a community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, providing power for the first time since the community’s establishment.
The solar power system, designed and installed by YEAC-Nigeria, along with YEAC Community Energy and Development and YEAC-UK, aims to boost the local economy and enhance healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.
During the commissioning on Monday, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the executive director of YEAC-Nigeria, highlighted that the 90-kilowatt mini-grid can connect at least 262 homes and businesses in the community. This project is part of the NGO’s broader effort to combat pipeline vandalism and other environmental issues in the Niger Delta.
Fyneface emphasized that the solar mini-grid is more than just infrastructure; it represents hope and the potential of collective action towards sustainable development in the region. He explained that by providing clean, renewable energy, the facility supports efforts to curb oil theft, artisanal refineries, and environmental pollution, offering alternative livelihoods and promoting environmental sustainability.
He added that powering homes with renewable energy could reduce the demand for illegally refined petroleum products, which would, in turn, shrink the market for illegal refiners and lower incidents of pipeline vandalism and environmental damage. The project’s design allows for future expansion as energy consumption grows in the community.
Fyneface also called on stakeholders to support this transformative initiative and help expand the solar mini-grid project to other communities across the Niger Delta. He announced plans for ten more solar mini-grids in the region as part of YEAC’s commitment to fighting oil theft and environmental degradation.
The chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Vincent Osilonya, praised the initiative during the commissioning and pledged the local government’s support to expand the project throughout the council area. He urged the people of Umuolu to protect the facility and manage their energy consumption responsibly.
Engr. Isicheri Stanley Tabowei, President-General of Umuolu Development Union, expressed gratitude to YEAC, its partners, and NXT Grid Nigeria and the Netherlands for making the project a reality. He described the project as a new era of energy independence and environmental responsibility for the 700-year-old community, which had previously relied solely on generators.
Community members, including Evelyn Tombia Mamam, also expressed their joy and disbelief at finally having access to electricity, hoping for more such projects in the future. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including local government officials and community leaders.
, a non-governmental organization, has inaugurated a solar mini-grid electricity facility in Umuolu, a community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, providing power for the first time since the community's establishment.){kind=link}