Rivers State, Nigeria – The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has begun a fresh round of community assessments in Rivers State as part of its ongoing efforts to expand access to electricity through solar mini-grid installations in the Niger Delta.
Led by Executive Director Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface and accompanied by team member Bere Letam Noble, the organization visited Utuechi, Obiafu, and Utu Umuoriji communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area over the weekend. The visits are aimed at identifying suitable locations for the next phase of the Solar Mini-Grid Electricity Project, targeting communities without access to electricity.
The initiative forms part of YEAC-Nigeria’s broader strategy to combat pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, artisanal refining, and environmental degradation in the region through the promotion of clean energy and youth employment.
The latest field visit follows a recent call by YEAC for applications from interested communities seeking inclusion in the project. It also comes after the successful commissioning of the first of 10 planned solar facilities in Umuolu, Ndokwa East LGA, Delta State, on August 12, 2024.
Following the assessments in Rivers State, the YEAC team traveled to Delta State to inspect the operational Umuolu facility. There, Dr. Fyneface, who also manages the Solar Mini-Grid Project, met with local workers, community leaders, and beneficiaries. While community members expressed satisfaction with the project, minor technical concerns were promptly addressed on site.
YEAC-Nigeria expressed appreciation for the cooperation of both existing and prospective beneficiary communities and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding renewable energy access in the Niger Delta. The organization aims to leverage sustainable energy solutions to curb environmental challenges and improve livelihoods across the region.
