The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) has installed a 90.12kWh solar power system in the Niger Delta, transforming the community’s energy landscape. The project marks an end to the area’s reliance on costly and environmentally damaging diesel generators.
Solar Power System: Transforming Energy Landscape in Delta Community
In a significant step for the Niger Delta, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC) has installed a 90.12kWh solar power system in Umuolu, a community long plagued by energy poverty. YEAC accomplished this milestone in collaboration with NXT Grid Nigeria and international partners from the Netherlands.
Managed by YEAC’s subsidiary, Community Energy and Development (CEAD), the project marks a pivotal shift for the settlement in Delta State’s Ndokwa East Local Government Area. Despite a history spanning over 700 years, the community has never had consistent access to electricity—until now.
image: Collected
Engr. Isichei Stanley Tabowei, President General of the Umuolu Development Union, spoke to the transformative impact of the new solar power system. “This solar-powered mini-grid will have a profound impact on our community,” Tabowei said, noting that the project would foster economic growth, improve living standards, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Residents Laud the Solar Initiative
Tabowei described the arrival of solar power in Umuolu as a momentous occasion. “Since the creation of this community, we have not seen electricity in this form. This is the first of its kind, and we are very grateful to God and YEAC and their partners for making this happen. We have lived for years without electricity, relying on diesel generators which come at a high cost due to fuel prices,” he said.
“The switch to solar power represents a move towards energy independence and environmental stewardship,” Tabowei added. “By harnessing the abundant power of the sun, we are not only ensuring a consistent and sustainable energy supply but also reducing our carbon footprint.”
Mrs. Evelyn Tombia, another community member, expressed her joy and disbelief. “If our deceased members were resurrected today, they would be amazed at the electrification of Umuolu. I thank God for bringing this project to our community. Even if you woke my forefathers from the grave, they would never believe that electricity supply is now available in Umuolu,” Tombia remarked.
President General Tabowei reiterated the project’s broader significance. “This electrification project will bring numerous benefits to our community. It will power homes, businesses, schools, churches, and the hospital, fostering economic growth and improving our standard of living. This project is not just about electricity; it’s about creating opportunities, transforming lives, and moving our children away from societal ills,” he said.
Impact of the Solar Power System
This YEAC initiative aims to address the broader issues of energy poverty and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The 90.12kWh solar system is expected to empower the local economy, enhance healthcare and education, and improve the overall quality of life. According to YEAC Executive Director Fyneface Dumnamene, the project also supports government efforts to mitigate pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and artisanal refining. He stressed that providing alternative livelihood opportunities through renewable energy is crucial for reducing illegal activities and environmental damage.
Dumnamene emphasized that the solar power system is just the beginning. “Our mission is to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship across the Niger Delta. With this facility, we hope to offer alternatives to illegal activities and foster economic growth through renewable energy,” he said. With additional funding, the organization plans to expand these efforts by helping Umuolu’s youth establish and grow small businesses powered by the new solar grid.
For Dumnamene, the ultimate vision is a future where renewable energy not only powers homes but also enables meaningful economic activity while protecting the environment. The launch of the 90.12kWh solar power system in Umuolu marks a new era of progress and hope for the community, illuminating a path toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Niger Delta.
