Corps member installs 30 units of smart LED streetlights in Amechi community, Ebonyi state

Oredola Adeola

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream I member in Ebonyi State, Golagha Oghenefejiro, has installed a total of 30 units of solar-powered smart-LED streetlights in the Amechi community in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, a Community Development Service (CDS) project, sponsored by Mr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director Sahara Group.

The project commissioning which also coincided with the 50th-year anniversary celebration of NYSC programs in Nigeria, was held on May 17, 2023, at the Amechi Community, Ohaukwu LGA, Ebonyi State.

EnergyDay gathered that Golagha’s NYSC CDS programme in Ebonyi State was sponsored by Mr. Kola Adesina, GMD of Sahara Group, after she succeeded in convincing him about the light up project, during the Women in Geosciences & Engineering (WiGE) session, at the 2022 edition of the Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), organized by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.

Golagha Oghenefejiro after receiving the generous sponsorship for her project from Mr. Kola Adesina, embarked on a mission to drive energy transition by promoting the adoption of green and cleaner energy sources, and also alleviate energy poverty.

Through the sponsorship she got for her project, Ms. Golagha installed 30 units of solar-powered LED streetlights in a 3-in-1 Amechi community in Ebonyi State with over 200 buildings.

EnergyDay gathered that the installation of Solar Powered LED Streetlights marked a significant milestone in the journey toward energy transition especially for the community.

The project has transformed the lives of community members by providing them with reliable and sustainable access to power, after many years of blackouts. The solar-powered streetlights illuminated the previously dark streets, enhancing the safety and security of residents.

By utilizing renewable energy sources, Golagha’s project has not only reduced the community’s carbon footprint but also served as a model for sustainable development in the state.

Our correspondent gathered that one of the most remarkable outcomes of this project according to Ms. Golagha, was its contribution to alleviating energy poverty within the community.

Mr. Kola Adesina, while commending the corps member for her humanitarian gesture towards the residents of Ohaukwu community, said that the street lights will bring sustainable energy to the lives of families living in the community.

He, therefore, encouraged Ms. Golagha to continue to tap into her unique brilliance through positive curiosity and greater clarity. He also commended her for daring to be bold and make a difference by committing to the well-being of the common people.

The corps member in her remark said, “Access to reliable power has opened doors to numerous socio-economic opportunities. She added that businesses can now operate during evening hours, enabling economic growth and fostering entrepreneurship.

“Students have gained extended study hours, enhancing their educational prospects. This project would also curb many nefarious acts during dark hours, thereby making the community members more secure and safe,” the corps member said.

Golagha emphasised that the improved safety and security resulting from well-lit streets have instilled a sense of confidence and well-being among community members.

She further confirmed that her rural electrification project aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“By promoting the use of green energy, the project directly contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Additionally, it addresses SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

“The impact of the project extends beyond the immediate community, inspiring others to embrace sustainable energy solutions and work towards achieving the SDGs on a larger scale,” Golagha said.