By Udekwe Okue-Agbomma
The Mayor of Anambra West Local Government Area, Hon. Fidelis Nnazor has announced plans to launch an ambitious renewable energy project aimed at illuminating communities across the council area with 1,000 solar energy units.
The groundbreaking initiative, scheduled for official launch on Tuesday, 9th September 2025, at the Anambra West Local Government Secretariat in Nzam, represents what officials describe as “a new dawn of sustainable development” for the predominantly rural local government area.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Mayor Nnazor emphasised the transformative potential of the project, stating it would provide clean and reliable solar energy to power communities, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents. The initiative aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s broader development agenda for Anambra State, particularly focusing on rural electrification and sustainable energy solutions.
The 10:00 AM ceremony is expected to attract stakeholders from across the local government area, as the mayor has extended invitations to “the entire Anambra West family — stakeholders and non-stakeholders alike.” The project marks a significant milestone in the council’s infrastructure development drive since Nnazor assumed office following his election victory in the most recent local government elections.
Anambra West, with its headquarters in Otuocha and a population of 167,303 according to the 2006 census, has faced longstanding challenges with electricity supply, making the solar energy initiative particularly significant for rural communities within the council area. The local government area falls within the Anambra Central senatorial district and encompasses several communities that have historically relied upon alternative energy sources due to irregular power supply from the national grid.
The solar energy project forms part of Mayor Nnazor’s broader development agenda, which includes infrastructure development, youth empowerment, healthcare improvement, security enhancement, education advancement, and agricultural development. Earlier initiatives under his leadership include efforts to revitalise the education sector through strategic meetings with departmental heads of primary schools in alignment with Governor Soludo’s smart schools agenda.
The timing of the solar energy launch coincides with increased federal and state government focus upon renewable energy solutions as Nigeria seeks to address its persistent electricity challenges. Rural electrification projects have gained prominence across Anambra State, with various communities benefiting from improved power supply through alternative energy sources.
Industry experts suggest that the 1,000-unit solar energy project could serve as a model for other local government areas facing similar electricity challenges. The initiative is expected to support small-scale businesses, improve healthcare delivery through reliable power for medical facilities, and enhance educational opportunities by enabling students to study beyond daylight hours.
The solar energy units are anticipated to be distributed across various communities within Anambra West, prioritising areas with the most acute electricity needs. Officials indicate that the project will involve community participation to ensure sustainable maintenance and optimal utilisation of the solar installations.
Mayor Nnazor’s administration has emphasised transparency and community engagement as core principles, with the mayor having previously assured voters of open governance that prioritises grassroots development. The solar energy initiative reflects this commitment to community-centred projects that directly impact upon residents’ daily lives.
The 9th September launch ceremony is expected to feature demonstrations of solar technology, presentations on installation processes, and discussions regarding maintenance protocols. Community leaders, traditional rulers, and development partners are anticipated to attend the historic event, which officials believe will attract attention from neighbouring local government areas considering similar renewable energy initiatives.
With Anambra State’s local government elections scheduled for 29th August 2026, as announced by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), the solar energy project positions Mayor Nnazor’s administration as a pioneer in sustainable development initiatives at the grassroots level.
