Residents of Akeddei community in Bayelsa State have voiced frustration over years of poor electricity supply, describing the situation as deeply challenging and damaging to their livelihoods.
According to community members, it is not uncommon for the area to experience prolonged outages, sometimes lasting up to four months without power.
Despite the hardship, residents say they are hopeful that the ongoing ‘All On’ solar hybrid mini-grid project, which is close to completion, will bring lasting relief and transform living conditions in the community.
Speaking with journalists, a resident, Willie David, explained how the persistent lack of electricity has crippled small-scale businesses and increased the cost of survival for many households.
”Sometimes we stay over four months without electricity, it has been very difficult for us here without light. Most business centres and other small scale business operators here have folded up.
“Some of us who went out of our ways to get alternative power supply like using generating sets on a daily basis are going through hell,” he said.
Other residents shared similar experiences, noting that unreliable electricity has made it difficult for businesses to thrive. Many said the situation has pushed young people to leave the community in search of better economic opportunities elsewhere.
Ebedi Sowerei, another resident, expressed optimism that the completion of the solar hybrid mini-grid project would mark a turning point for the community.
He noted that beyond the promise of improved electricity, the project has already begun to benefit residents through local participation.
“Our local youth have been engaged in construction and site preparation, while the company handling the project has initiated training programmes for community-based operators who will manage technical and administrative functions after commissioning,” he said.
Providing further insight into the initiative, Toun Odetola, Communications Lead at All On, explained that the Akeddei project is part of a broader effort to expand electrification across the Niger Delta region. The project is expected to provide 1,058 electricity connections upon completion.
“The objective of the Akeddei project goes beyond installing energy infrastructure. It places strong emphasis on productive-use customers, including small businesses, artisans and service providers whose activities depend heavily on reliable power supply.
“It is about enabling meaningful energy access that supports livelihoods, reduces dependence on expensive alternatives, and strengthens communities across the Niger Delta,” Odetola explained.
Also speaking, Henry Ureh, Chief Executive Officer of Darway Coast Ltd, the firm implementing the project, described the initiative as a sustainable solution for communities that lack reliable access to grid electricity.
He said. “With millions of households still lacking reliable grid power, mini-grids are increasingly seen as practical solutions for rural and riverine communities where extending the national grid remains difficult and costly.
“We are confident that the people of Akeddei will experience measurable improvements in their quality of life, unlocking new economic opportunities for the community.”
