YEAC-Nigeria Launches Off-Grid Electricity Initiative for Niger Delta Communities
In a bid to provide sustainable livelihoods and deter illegal oil activities, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has introduced solar-powered mini off-grid electricity to communities in the Niger Delta region.
The unveiling of the YEAC-Nigeria Community Energy and Development Ltd/Gte in Port Harcourt saw Mr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the Executive Director of YEAC Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of offering alternative livelihoods to youths in the region to curb activities such as illegal oil bunkering.
Fyneface highlighted the necessity of the power project for impoverished communities lacking access to electricity. He noted that by providing clean and renewable energy, the initiative aims to create employment opportunities for youths and reduce environmental degradation caused by activities like pipeline vandalism and artisanal refining.
“This energy is being sourced from solar and that makes it very different from whatever we used to have,” Fyneface stated, emphasizing the shift away from fossil fuels. He highlighted the reliability and affordability of solar energy, which will enable communities to move away from reliance on petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
The initiative is expected to foster peace and economic growth in the region. Fyneface explained that by providing electricity, communities can engage in businesses without fear of security threats, thereby reducing the allure of illegal activities. Additionally, the project will address environmental pollution caused by generators, offering a cleaner alternative.
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The economic benefits of the initiative are vast, with the pilot phase commencing in Umuolu community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State. Residents of the community, who have long awaited access to electricity, are excited about the prospects it brings. Businesses will no longer need to rely on generators, and infrastructure like cold rooms will enable better preservation of goods, such as fish, boosting local economies.
YEAC-Nigeria’s initiative aims to empower communities economically while mitigating crude oil theft by providing alternative livelihoods for youths involved in artisanal refining. By creating sustainable job opportunities and promoting clean energy, the project seeks to bring about lasting positive change in the Niger Delta region.
