By Udekwe Okue-Agbomma
Anambra West Local Government Area on Tuesday, September 9th launched an ambitious 1,000 solar energy project aimed at providing sustainable electricity to communities across the council area, with Mayor Fidelis Nnazor declaring that no community would experience blackouts anymore.
The historic ceremony held at the Local Government Headquarters in Nzam saw representatives from various communities receive 100 solar light units each, marking what officials described as a transformative moment for the council area’s development trajectory.
“This project is not just about lighting our streets and communities, but it is about lighting up the future of our people,” Mayor Nnazor stated during the commissioning ceremony. The mayor, popularly known as Apolo Junior, assured residents that the initiative comes with comprehensive maintenance packages and promised a ward tour to identify additional community needs for inclusion in future budgets.
Rt. Hon. Okonkwo Sunday Kelvin, known as Anago Engine Igbo and speaker/Leader of the Congress of Councillors for Anambra West, praised the initiative as evidence of people-centred governance. “It’s a great joy to stand before the people today and to witness this historic event – the official launching of one thousand solar light energy systems across Anambra West,” he declared.
“With this bold initiative of the local government, we can proudly say that Anambra West is moving towards sustainable development,” Hon. Anago continued, emphasising that the solar-powered streetlights represent “leadership that is people-centred, forward-looking, and innovative.”
The project strategically distributes the solar units across communities, with Mayor Nnazor instructing that “communities should take full responsibility of those solar panels, mount them on village public squares for adequate illumination.” This approach ensures community ownership while maximising the impact of the renewable energy infrastructure.
Hon. Anago highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the solar energy deployment, noting that “solar energy is clean, renewable, and reliable. It will not only improve security in our communities but will also encourage evening businesses.”
The mayor expressed appreciation to Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, describing him as “a man with a vision of turning Anambra West into a developed community overnight if possible.” This acknowledgement underscores the collaborative approach between state and local government in implementing development projects.
Speaking on future developments, Mayor Nnazor revealed that road networking projects represent the next phase of infrastructure development for Anambra West. “Both the Commissioner and Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is highly passionate about Anambra West. Right in the program catalogue for Anambra West, is the road networking coming up next,” he stated.
The ceremony attracted significant attendance, including the Congress of Councillors, former council chairmen, Hon. Mrs. Maureen Nwakasi (Secretary to Anambra West LGA), supervisors, traditional rulers, Hon. Romanus Egwuatu (APGA Chairman, Anambra West LGA), Hon. Mrs. Nneka Nwachigwe (APGA Woman Leader, Anambra West LGA), and various distinguished guests.
The 1,000 solar energy units will benefit homes, schools, healthcare centres, and small businesses across Anambra West, providing reliable, clean, and sustainable power that officials expect will catalyse local economic growth. The initiative represents a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure that positions the council area as a leader in sustainable development.
Mayor Nnazor concluded the ceremony by advocating for continued support of Governor Soludo’s Solution Agenda, urging residents to participate actively in politics and support the governor’s re-election bid scheduled for November 8. “Hon. Nnazor assured Ndi Anambra West of inclusive governance and urged all to support the Solution Agenda by participating in politics, voting for the second tenure of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo,” according to official statements from the event.
The solar energy project demonstrates the practical implementation of sustainable development goals at the grassroots level, with communities now positioned to benefit from improved security, enhanced quality of life, and expanded opportunities for evening commerce and social activities.
