Ogoniland, located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is the third-largest mangrove ecosystem in the world, spanning nearly 1,000 square kilometers in Rivers State with a population of around 832,000. It is characterized by natural beauty and resources. Despite these unique features, the land, once thriving with rich biodiversity, now faces severe environmental degradation. Oil exploration has left a trail of devastation in this region, with pollution, gas flaring and oil spills ruining the land and water. The Ogoni people of the area, who rely on farming and fishing as means of livelihoods, have been severely impacted as a result. Food insecurity, contaminated water and health issues are part of their daily struggles.
In Kaani community of Ogoniland, which has existed since the 15th century, these challenges are compounded by energy poverty. The community lacks access to electricity, despite the ongoing presence of oil exploration. Residents rely on kerosene and biomass for lighting, which not only provides inadequate light but also leads to indoor air pollution, causing respiratory illnesses.
Recognizing this challenge faced by the community, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), through her Solar For Communities Initiative, trained and empowered the women and youths of the community as solar technicians. With financial support from Global Green Grant Funds (GGF) and 350Africa, this initiative tackles the community’s energy challenges head-on by promoting clean energy solutions. In partnership with LEKEH Development Foundation, Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA) and Quest for Growth and Development Foundation, GIFSEP engaged and empowered the people of Kaani. The project provided hands-on training for 200 women and youths from the community, educating them on solar energy installation and maintenance. As solar technicians, the community members learned the value of renewable energy and acquired skills that would enable them to install and maintain solar systems, thus serving as a means of livelihood.
Through this initiative, seventy-five (75) beneficiaries received components of a solar system, consisting of a solar panel, charge controller, battery, DC bulbs and switches; they practicalized their taught skills by installing these components in their homes under the supervision of experienced solar technicians. With this, seventy-five (75) houeholds in the Kaani community are now equipped with reliable and sustainable energy, replacing their dependence on kerosene and biomass. Furthermore, this has been a transformative experience for the community, thus providing lighting solutions and charging solutions, replacing the five hundred naira (NGN 500) they spent before on charging phones. seventy-five (75) homes in Kaani community are now equipped with reliable and sustainable energy solutions.
With this transition to solar power, Kaani is addressing critical issues reducing indoor pollution, reducing the cost of charging phones, cutting down on deforestation caused by the use of biomass and promoting energy independence. This initiative furthermore contributes to the health and well-being of the community, providing a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. This initiative emphasizes the transformative power of renewable energy in marginalized communities like Kaani. It frames the solar energy initiative in Kaani as both a beacon of hope and a critical step toward restoring dignity and sustainability in Ogoniland. Through this, Kaani community is moving towards a brighter, more resilient future. Another outcome of this intervention is that, the project has garnered the attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has requested we submit a proposal for the upscaling of the Solar for Ogoni initiative, recognizing the value of our work and the potential for future collaboration. We are optimistic about receiving a positive response pending the submission of our proposal and look forward to the opportunity to expand the transition of marginalised communities like Kaani community to solar power with the NDDC’s support.
-By Terrence M. Jeiyol