Solar Power  Electrifies Rivers Community,  Ignites  Economic Hope 

A landmark solar power initiative has transformed the lives of 100 households in Kaani-Bori community, Khana LGA, Rivers State, through the Lekeh Development Foundation, supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme of the UNDP.

The initiative, described as a “monumental achievement,” brings electricity to a community that has never experienced it before, sparking hope for sustainable development and economic growth.

The Mene Bua Kaani (Traditional Ruler of Kaani) HRH Mene Godwin Apere, hailed the solar project as a turning point for the community.

“Today is a unique day because Kaani community has not experienced electricity before, there is no electricity in the community. We thank God that we are also in a new age with the new technology and the solar light that is being supplied by the Lekeh Development Foundation.

“It’s lighting up the community and lighting the heart of people in the community. You can see the joy in their faces. I can only call it a monumental achievement that touched the hearts of people in the community. Light is everything. Once there is light, it drives away darkness,” he said.

The monarch emphasized that the solar installation would attract further attention from both federal and state governments, enhancing opportunities for economic activity and sustainable development.

“From henceforth, we can see that the seed has been sown, and that because light has come, more light will come. Even the one we are expecting from the federal government and the state government will come, because the seed has been sown,” he added.

Mr. Friday Nbani Barilule, Executive Director of Lekeh Development Foundation, highlighted the environmental and health benefits of the initiative.

“Lekeh Development Foundation is a community-based environmental advocacy organization. We focus on responding to issues around climate disasters, climate change, oil spillage, gas flares, and their negative effects on the environment. One of the issues presented to us by the community is darkness and indoor air pollution. So in response to that, we see there is a need to provide electricity. And not just dirty electricity, but a clean energy, which is solar.”

He explained that the project was made possible through the foundation’s partnership with GEF Small Grants Programme under UNDP, which funded the training of 100 people in solar installation and provided solar systems to the 100 households.

 “Today, 100 households have been restored, redeemed from darkness. I’m sure from henceforth, they are not going to buy petrol, diesel, kerosene, or local lanterns. Those energies that are dirty, bring emissions of carbon, are toxic and highly dangerous for human health,” Barilule said.

Barilule also linked the initiative to global efforts on renewable energy, noting, “I was privileged to attend COP28 in Dubai, and one of the outcomes was the need for triple investment in renewable energy. This action today is one of the outcomes, in the little way we can do. However, it’s not enough. We need more investment in renewable energy, from local government to the state and federal levels, so that people can enjoy a healthy environment.”

Beneficiaries of the project expressed profound relief and gratitude. Kenule Felix, a community resident, recalled the challenges of living without electricity.

“We have never had NEPA light before. To charge a phone, I had to send it to Bori and pay 500 Naira, or 1,000 Naira from Bori to Kaani. But today, I can stay in my house, charge my phone, sleep well, and do everything in my house now with light.”

Pastor Samuel Akpan, a pastor of a local church in community shared similar sentiments.

 “As one of the people that have received the solar light, it will help us because we were paying 200 Naira to charge our phones or power banks. Sometimes my battery had to be changed because of public charging. So I want to thank God for this Foundation and everyone that contributed to making this project a reality.”

Mrs. Sira Nwibari added, “Today is a great day in my life. I feel very happy for what the Lord has done. My children and I enjoy solar lights in our house. Before now, we used candles, lanterns, torch lights.”