The NEPL/Seplat Joint Venture has provided a solar-power mini-grid and borehole project in Ologbo N’ugu community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Speaking during the commissioning, the director, Seplat Energy’s External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe, said the initiatives are centred on providing access stable water supply and to power in the community.
She explained that the solar-powered mini-grid, with a capacity of 18.45 kWp 30 KWh battery and a 20 KVa inverter, is designed to provide electricity to about 138 households and businesses in the community.
She also disclosed that the pioneer participants under the organisation Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) have successfully graduated.
According to her, YEP is a comprehensive empowerment programme 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.
This programme, she said, was geared towards building capacity for a greener grassroots economy for potential employment and a placement pathway for the youth.
“The JV partners have remained strategic in applying the three projects to impact positively on the vital areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The initiatives highlighted the JV’s ongoing drive to champion inclusive growth through clean energy solutions, youth-led enterprise and access to potable water”.
In his remark, the representatives of the NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), Mr. Owunari Tomikeimieye, noted that the most strategic way to impact and partner with communities was to offer them sustainable energy, youth empowerment and portable water.
The Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Director General, Edo State Electrification Agency, Saturday Egbadon, commended the Seplat JV for providing mini-grid and training of students in its YEP programme.
He urged the graduating students to strive to make the most of what he described as a perfect example of how the private sector can play a vital role in supporting sustainable development at the grassroots.
