By Temple Izu Dikeocha
Most crime fighting initiatives recognises the threat darkness poses in any enclave. Thus, fighting darkness is seen as also fighting crime. Beyond that however, the 7th Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) believes that the oil region will get additional facelift with the introduction of solar-powered street lights.
Now, darkness is said to have gradually departed and totally disappeared from most communities in Imo State following this wonderful initiative.
In an innovative strategy, the NDDC is lighting up the nights in several communities across Imo State, bringing sunshine to communities previously enveloped in darkness.
This transformation signposts significant progress in people’s lives in the hitherto neglected region, radiating far beyond the streets.
The light-up Niger Delta project is part of measures by the NDDC to fight criminality, boost socio-economic activities, and enhance peace in the region.
The light up project is very important to NDDC especially concerning security in Nigeria’s oil-rich region. The positive impact of the “Light Up the Niger Delta” campaign can be seen as it has reduced criminality in the various benefitting communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.
The target of Hon Dr Kyrian C Uchegbu and that of NDDC is to ensure that every community in Imo State is powered by solar Before the end of 2027.
Investing in the solar energy by NDDC is on point, because it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objectives. Aligning these initiatives with the SDGs is crucial as it provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable development.
More than 300, out of the over 600 registered Autonomous communities in Imo are already reaping the benefits of NDDC’s Light Up Niger Delta scheme in Imo according to findings.
In Imo State today, solar-powered street lights have become a source of relief and safety to many residents both in the state capital and in the rural communities. This development has also provided respite to many communities.
Unlike in the past, solar street lights were abandoned and became a relic of past administrations. That is not the case for the present NDDC solar streetlights in Imo.
Before now, some people use to see our rural communities as a ‘forest’ capital because it is always dark due to poor epileptic power supply. But now, there seems to be few streets and few communities living without solar powered street lights in Imo.
It is true that some relief came to Imo people when the NDDC through the State Rep, Hon Kyrian Uchegbu started awarding the installation of solar-powered street light to Imo communities. It is obvious that this is the first time Imo people are feeling the impact of the leadership and management of the NDDC since its inception in the year 2000.
Imo people are deeply appreciative of the efforts of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the Commission’s management team in Imo for remembering our people in this massive solar-powered light project. Before now, many communities have been in total darkness, and so many snakes and other dangerous reptiles were roaming at night waiting for innocent citizens to devour.
Before the execution of this solar light project, most Imo people do not move freely at night because everywhere used to be dark once it was night. But now, people can move around freely any time of the night to any neighbouring community of their choice.
Most natives in the rural communities of Imo State have continued to describe Hon Kyrian Uchegbu as God-sent, who have brought unprecedented happiness to their hearts as they can now see clearly and move freely at night.
Driving through most Imo Communities is now very refreshing as the lighting across Imo roads is spectacular and distinctive.
The solar street lights provides sufficient illumination to bolster peoples confidence to drive at night. Students now use the street lights to read at night and Traders and Market Women now make extra income using the solar light to sell their goods.
Providing solar street light may not be all that is needed to develop Imo State now; however, it is an important step in the right direction which must be applauded.
In Imo State, many communities have witnessed a remarkable transformation courtesy of the light up project.
Neighborhoods that used to be deserted after sundown now come alive at night with all thanks going to the NDDC solar-powered lights.
Business Owners now walk down home at night after work rather than hoping for a cab. People are no longer scared of taking that very dark route that leads to their home after work. Infact most people have extended their shop hours, exceeding their profit margin by more than 100 percent.
The extended hours of illumination have redefined business dynamics in Imo. Thanks to the NDDC solar street lights. People are out at night these days, and the streets in the rural areas are busier. The solar-powered radiance has not only dispelled the shadows but have also catalyzed economic growth, empowering local businesses and enhancing the overall quality of life of Imo people.
Reports from different LGA’S in Imo State have it that the ‘Light up Niger Delta’ program has been very successful in Imo and it has stimulated economic growth, empowered local businesses, and is serving as a beacon of hope in the nation’s quest for sustainable development.
