PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE – May 2025 – The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has commenced a critical community assessment initiative to identify potential sites for the next phase of its Solar Mini-Grid Electricity Project. This ambitious project aims to provide clean, reliable power to Communities Without Electricity (CWE) across the Niger Delta region.

The assessment was led over the weekend by YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, who also serves as the Solar Mini-Grid Manager. He was accompanied by a team member, Bere Letam Noble. The team visited several communities in Rivers State, including Utuechi, Obiafu, and Utu Umuoriji in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

This site-selection process follows a public call for applications from interested communities, combined with a pre-existing list of candidate locations maintained by the Advocacy Centre. The initiative is a core part of YEAC-Nigeria’s multi-faceted strategy to combat pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and the proliferation of artisanal refineries. By providing sustainable alternative energy solutions and creating youth employment opportunities, the project addresses the root causes of environmental pollution and energy poverty in the region.

Following the community assessments in Rivers State, the team proceeded to Umuolu community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State to inspect the organization's first successfully installed and commissioned solar mini-grid facility. This pilot project, launched on August 12, 2024, serves as a model for the planned rollout of ten such facilities.

During the inspection, Dr. Fyneface engaged with on-site workers, community leaders, and direct beneficiaries. "This visit was essential to ensure the sustainability of our existing project and to carefully plan for its expansion," said Dr. Fyneface. "The positive feedback from the Umuolu consumers is encouraging, and we were able to promptly address some minor operational issues, demonstrating our commitment to long-term success and community partnership."

The Umuolu beneficiaries expressed their profound appreciation for the project, highlighting its transformative impact on their daily lives and local economy.

YEAC-Nigeria appreciates the support from both its current and prospective beneficiary communities and remains steadfast in its mission to serve more communities, thereby mitigating crude oil theft and environmental degradation through innovative, clean energy solutions