Most rural communities in the Niger Delta now shine brightly at night, all due to the solar light project launched few months ago by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) around the region.
The brightness in the region seems to serve as an ornament to the moody region as the NDDC clocks 25 years, thus creating a lighter mood and a new economy.
Checks around the rural communities in oil region indicate that the brightness at night without community people having to pay bills has boosted business activities that now take place late into the nights. It is said to also deter criminals who no longer find darkness to launch surprise attacks on innocent community people passing on their roads. The villagers can now see far and act fast.
As the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) celebrates 25 years of its establishment, this innovative project is said to stand out like a neon sign in the night. The groundbreaking ‘Light Up the Niger Delta’ project, undertaken by the Commission, is said to have thus opened several new frontiers for growth and development.
The solar-powered streetlights have transformed the way people live and work in communities across the Niger Delta region. The impact of this initiative can be felt in economic and social activities in the region.
This transformation signposts significant progress in people’s lives in the hitherto neglected region, radiating far beyond the streets.
The light-up Niger Delta project is said to be part of the NDDC’s measures to combat criminality, stimulate socio-economic activities, and promote peace in the region.
According to Samuel Ogbuku, the NDDC Managing Director, the clean energy concept could even be a more compelling objective. This not only provides light but helps in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment. “As climate change continues to impact communities worldwide, the need for innovative solutions to address the global challenge has become increasingly imperative. In the search for solutions, solar power is gaining traction as a potential silver bullet to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and save the environment.”
Little wonder many organisations are investing in solar energy and renewable energy options especially to reduce carbon footprints.
Climate change used to sound distant and academic, but it has emerged as a compelling phenomenon. The task, therefore, is to take measures to help curb the rising global temperature.
Many organisations, including the NDDC, are already contributing in different ways to tackle the global problem. The MD has already set the target, to ensure that every community in the Niger Delta region is powered by solar.
Ogbuku noted that Solar power had the dual benefit of providing needed projects for the people and building NDDC’s carbon credits, stating that the Commission expects to recover the carbon credits trapped in some of these projects.
Environmentalists say investing in solar energy is on point because it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objectives.
Several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), directly relate to climate change and renewable energy. By investing in solar energy and carbon credits, the NDDC will contribute to achieving these goals.
The Commission’s contributions can take various forms. They could be small-scale installations in local communities or large-scale solar farms. These projects will provide electricity to communities, reduce carbon emissions, and create job opportunities for our teaming youths.
Several communities are already reaping the benefits of NDDC’s bold initiative.
In Bayelsa, solar-powered streetlights have become a source of relief and safety for residents of Yenagoa, the state capital. This new development has also provided respite to communities in the eight local government areas.
In recent years, the popular Etegwe/Tombia Roundabout, Mbiama/Yenagoa Road, Sanni Abacha express road, Azikoro/Ekeki area, and others have been illuminated for visitors to the state capital.
A resident, Emeka Ojuogu, commended the NDDC for the solar-powered light, stating that the area has transformed from ‘forest’ state to lightened state. Other residents in various communities have hailed the project, too.
Speaking, the paramount ruler of Ayama-Gbarain, Kawari Apina-Owei, and his deputy, Jeremiah Selesai, and the Community Development Committee chairman, Geseye Apina-Owei, praised the Managing Director of NDDC and his team. They testified that before the coming of solar lighting, movement at night was difficult and dangerous. The community described Ogbuku as God-sent, one who had brought happiness to their hearts.
In Rivers State, many communities have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Neighbourhoods that used to be deserted after sundown now come alive at night, thanks to the NDDC solar-powered lights.
Francis Okoroafor, a shop owner in the Trans Amadi Industrial Area, testified of increase in his profit up to 40%. He also does not spend on cabs at night but now walks the distance.
Michael Igoniwari, who owns a supermarket on Iwowari Street, echoes this sentiment, noting that the extended hours of illumination have redefined business dynamics. “The solar-powered radiance has not only dispelled the shadows but has also catalyzed economic growth, empowering local businesses and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Providing street lighting may not be all that is needed to develop the Niger Delta, but it has been described as an essential step in the right direction which must be applauded. The lighting programme responds to communities’ prevailing challenges with limited access to the main electrical grid.
Existing government-installed streetlights are often dysfunctional due to system failures, power shortages, and the exorbitant cost of diesel for generators.
Launched recently, the programme is said to be aimed at deploy tens of thousands of solar-powered street lights, transcending the boundaries of Port Harcourt to illuminate cities, towns, and villages across the Niger Delta.
The impact of the initiative extends beyond mere illumination; it addresses a fundamental issue plaguing more than 70 million people in the Niger Delta; the lack of dependable power supply. Solar-powered streetlights, with their low operational costs and straightforward installation, have emerged as a beacon of hope for communities grappling with power outages and unreliable electricity from the national grid.
Jonathan Lokpobiri, president of the Ijaw Youth Council, emphasises the popularity of solar streetlights in areas that previously lacked any form of street lighting.
Tammy Dagogo, who runs a barbing salon off Peter Odili Road, attests, “Now, even during outages, the solar lights keep the area lit.” This reliability fosters a newfound sense of security, enabling mothers like Belema Dappa to permit their children to play outside, even after dusk.
The Omerelu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area was jubilant following the inauguration of Solar-powered streetlights installed across the community’s villages by the NDDC.
In line with its project titled “Operation Light Up Niger Delta”, NDDC provided solar power to mitigate the once darkness-ridden Omopi-Omerelu community.
In appreciation, a chief, L. O. Didia, the chairman of the Omerelu Council of Chiefs, thanked the NDDC for bringing the project to the community.
In Rumuigbo community in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State, a chief, Kinikanwo Owhonda, expressed gratitude to the commission for always being there for the region’s people.
In Akwa Ibom State, the Niger Delta Youths Movement (NDYM) hailed the NDDC for initiating life-changing projects including ‘Light up Niger Delta’ initiative, which he said would provide jobs and boost the economic development of the region.
Boboye Peretu, NDYM national president, hailed the Ogbuku-led management of NDDC for the initiative.
Reports from different states have it that this ‘Light up the Niger Delta’ programme has stimulated economic growth, empowered local businesses, and served as a beacon of hope in the nation’s quest for sustainable development.
