Residents of the Kaani community in the Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed joy following the installation of solar power systems in 100 households, marking a major step toward ending decades of darkness in the area.
The intervention is part of a clean energy initiative titled “Strengthening Capacity of Communities to Adopt and Implement Clean Energy,” facilitated by Lekeh Development Foundation with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Lekeh Development Foundation, Friday Nbani, said the project was driven by the organisation’s commitment to promoting renewable energy and addressing environmental challenges in Ogoni and the wider Niger Delta region.
He noted that issues such as oil pollution, gas flaring, and climate change have had devastating effects on the environment and public health, stressing that solar energy offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.
According to Nbani, the initiative also involved training 100 community members in solar installation, adding that the project would reduce dependence on fossil fuels such as petrol, kerosene, and diesel, while tackling indoor air pollution.
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He called on government at all levels to scale up investment in renewable energy to ensure wider access to electricity in underserved communities.Traditional ruler of Kaani, His Royal Highness Mene Godwin Apere (Mene Bua Kaani), described the development as monumental, noting that the community had never experienced electricity supply since its inception.
He commended the foundation for the intervention, adding that previous appeals to government agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), had yielded no results. Residents who benefited from the project also expressed gratitude, describing the solar installations as life-changing.
Some of them said they had relied on candles and kerosene lamps for lighting, while spending between ₦200 and ₦500 to charge mobile phones in neighbouring communities. They noted that the new solar systems would not only improve their quality of life but also reduce costs and enhance safety in their homes. The project is expected to boost economic activities and improve living conditions in the community, while contributing to climate resilience and sustainable development in the region.
