By Rosemary Okoduwa
The NEPL/Seplat Joint Venture (JV) has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable development by unveiling a solar-powered mini-grid project, graduating its pioneer Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) participants, and commissioning a borehole project in Ologbo N’ugu, Edo State. The three-pronged initiative, themed “Building Capacity for a Greener Grassroots Economy,” aims to provide access to power, stable water supply, and potential employment and placement pathways for youths.
The solar-powered mini-grid, with a capacity of 18.45 KWp, 30 KWh battery, and 20KVa inverter, is designed to provide electricity to approximately 138 households and businesses in the community. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, and 9, focusing on affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and industry, innovation, and infrastructure, respectively
The YEP is a comprehensive empowerment program aimed at equipping young individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, install, and maintain solar installations and other energy solutions within their communities. The program addresses SDGs 1 and 4, focusing on no poverty and quality education, respectively. Six participants who demonstrated exceptional performance during the training were gifted with prizes at the graduation ceremony.
The borehole project, which addresses SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), provides a stable water supply to the community, improving the health and wellbeing of its residents.
In her welcome address, the Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, commended the host community for creating a conducive environment for the projects to thrive. She described the mini-grid as a beacon of sustainable energy access and the graduates as “torch bearers for a new era in this community and indeed the wider Edo and Delta State.
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Director General, Edo State Electrification Agency, Hon. Saturday Egbadon, commended the Seplat JV for the landmark mini-grid and graduation of its YEP students. He expressed delight that the efforts align with the electrification policy of his administration, “Operation Light Up Edo State.”
The Special Adviser to Governor Okpebholo on Oil and Gas matters, Barrister Felix Osemwengie Isere, expressed joy that the initiative would help bring to reality the strategy of inclusive development of the state government. He called for greater involvement of the host community in the execution of future projects and management of the already executed ones.
The leader of the representatives of the NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), Mr. Owunari Tomikeimieye, commended the community and participating youths who made the dream a reality. He noted that the most strategic way to impact and partner with communities was to offer them sustainable energy, youth empowerment, and portable water.
The Ero of Umughunu, Chief Gius Eheneden, speaking for the Ologbo N’ugu autonomous community, expressed appreciation to the Seplat JV. He assured that the locals would continue to support such noble initiatives and seek greater participation in the execution and preservation of such projects.
The Seplat JV worked with a mini-grid developer, EtinPower Limited, to select and train 53 young people on renewable energy. The partnership demonstrates the JV’s commitment to sustainable development by investing in initiatives that promote human capital development, access to energy, and inclusive economic growth, in alignment with the United Nations SDGs and Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
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