The Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, yesterday, inaugurated an off-grid solar power project in Mayo Selbe, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba.
The off-grid project with the capacity to deliver power to 63 households was funded by the Australia High Commission in Nigeria.
The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Leilani Bin-Juda, described the event as a meaningful milestone regarding community impact.
“It is truly inspiring to see the fruits of the collaboration between such an innovative Australian company, Okra Solar, and our esteemed partner, the ANI Foundation, through the High Commission’s Direct Aid Programme.
“I commend the ANI Foundation for the remarkable projects empowering local communities, particularly around the Gashaka Gumti National Park.
“This initiative, which has provided clean, green solar energy to 63 households in Mayo Selbe for the first time, represents a meaningful milestone in delivering tangible benefits to the local communities around Gashaka Gumti National Park,” she said.
Represented by Mr Nacha Geoffrey, ANI Foundation’s Country Manager, Bin-Juda urged the community to continue to preserve the national park for greater benefits ahead.
The Conversator General (CG) of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni, described the event as a new feat by the ANI Foundation regarding community empowerment.
Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court, said in his goodwill that the event was a testament to a partnership founded on vision and commitment.
“The inauguration of this solar electrification project in Mayo Selbe is a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets commitment.
“This initiative, spearheaded by the ANI Foundation in invaluable partnership with the Australia High Commission and the Gashaka community, exemplifies a truly transformative collaboration,” he said.
Buba, a member of the Code of Conduct Bureau, said he was delighted that the community’s longstanding partnership with the ANI Foundation was preserving the natural heritage while fostering sustainable development.
Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism in Taraba State, Mr Titus Nagombe, said the project aligned with the developmental goals of the Gov. Agbu Kefas administration.