Applauding Seplat Energy JV’s SDG Drive In Edo StateThrough Power, Water, Youth Empowerment Initiatives

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Nigeria, with its abundant natural resources and teeming youthful population, is at a critical point in its journey towards development, particularly in the energy and labour sectors. Although the country is home to over 230 million people, with more than 60% under the age of 25, access to reliable electricity remains a challenge, with over 92 million Nigerians, roughly 45% of the population—lacking access to grid power, according to the World Bank. Moreover, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that as of Q1 2024, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stood at approximately 8.4%, which translates to roughly 8.26 million people (aged 15-24 years) being unemployed. For context, underemployment is significantly higher in rural communities. As the country works to diversify its energy sources and combat youth unemployment, corporate partnerships are playing a crucial role in driving localised and sustainable solutions. Edo State, rich in oil reserves and home to a dynamic population, has increasingly become a hub for such interventions. It can be safely assumed that where development challenges meet viable opportunities, a quiet transformation would emerge. Deep in Edo State’s Ologbo N’ugu community, a new chapter of growth and opportunity is beginning to unfold. Once accustomed to the flickering glow of kerosene lamps and the arduous trek for clean water, residents now bask in the steady light of solar-powered electricity and the refreshing flow of potable water from a newly commissioned borehole. This transformation is not merely infrastructural; it is emblematic of a broader commitment to sustainable development, spearheaded by the NEPL/Seplat EnergyJoint Venture (JV). Illuminating Lives with Clean Energy, Quenching Thirst with Clean Water At the core of this initiative is the commissioning of an 18.45-kilowatt solar-powered mini-grid, complemented by a 30-kilowatt-hour battery and a 20kVA inverter. This system now provides reliable electricity to approximately 138 households and businesses in Ologbo N’ugu. The significance of this development extends beyond mere numbers; it represents a tangible step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, and 9, which advocate for affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth as well as industry, innovation and infrastructure, respectively. Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs & Social Performance at Seplat Energy, encapsulated the essence of this milestone thus: “Today, the NNPC Exploration and Production and Seplat Energy JV celebrate not one, but three monumental achievements: the commissioning of a mini-grid project, commissioning of a borehole, and the first graduation of our young renewable energy entrepreneurs. This mini-grid is not just an infrastructure; it is a beacon of sustainable energy access for Ologbo N’ugu, lighting up our homes, offices and other business premises.” Along with the electrification project, the JV addressed another critical need: Access to clean water. The commissioning of a borehole has ensured that residents no longer have to rely on distant or potentially contaminated water sources. This initiative is in alignment with SDG 3, which emphasizes good health and well-being by mitigating waterborne diseases and promoting overall community health. Empowering the Youth through Entrepreneurship Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the JV’s initiative is the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP). Developed in collaboration with EtinPower Limited, YEP is designed to equip young individuals with the skills necessary to design, install, and maintain solar energy solutions. Through a combination of online and physical sessions, 53 youths underwent comprehensive training, culminating in the graduation of the first cohort. Notably, six outstanding participants received gifts for their outstanding performance during the training. Afe lauded the graduates as “torchbearers for a new era in this community and indeed the wider Edo State; the NEPL/Seplat JV Ambassadors, equipped to transform the entire energy landscape.” The initiative is part of Seplat Energy’s broader commitment to youth empowerment. The Edo State government has equally expressed strong support for these initiatives. The State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Hon. Saturday Egbadon, Director General of the Edo State Electrification Agency, remarked, “I am greatly thrilled by this development because it fits perfectly into our developmental agenda, ‘Operation Light Up Edo State’. It is clear in our plan to bring sustainable power to every part of this state, especially the rural and underserved communities.” Echoing these sentiments was Barrister Felix Osewengie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas matters, who emphasised the importance of community involvement in the execution and management of such projects, in line with the state’s policy on local content. Community leaders have also voiced their appreciation to the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV. Chief Gius Eheneden, the Ero of Umughuna, speaking on behalf of the Ologbo N’ugu autonomous community, stated, “We are delighted at what has happened today and believe that it is just the beginning of a new dawn in the history of Ologbo N’ugu autonomous community’s association with the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.” A Blueprint for Sustainable Development The NEPL/Seplat JV’s integrated approach in Ologbo N’ugu serves as a model for sustainable development. By simultaneously addressing energy, water, and economic empowerment, the initiatives not only meet immediate needs but have also laid the groundwork for long-term community resilience and growth. This holistic strategy reflects Seplat Energy JV’s overarching commitment to corporate social responsibility. Beyond Ologbo N’ugu, the company has implemented various programs across Nigeria, including vocational training for youths in Edo and Delta States, and scholarship programs benefiting over 50,000 students. In a nation where many communities still grapple with limited access to essentials like electricity, clean water, and economic opportunity, the progress seen in Ologbo N’ugu is more than just encouraging — it’s instructive. The collaboration between NEPL and Seplat shows what can be achieved when development initiatives are rooted in real community engagement and long-term impact. From solar-lit homes to skilled, enterprising youth, Ologbo N’ugu is quietly redefining what progress looks like at the grassroots.

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