NEDC installs solar streetlights across Yobe to boost security, recovery
By Ahmed Abba
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has installed solar-powered streetlights across schools, markets, hospitals, media houses and communities in Yobe to enhance security and post-insurgency recovery.
The intervention covers all 17 local government areas, complementing the commission’s ongoing construction of schools, roads, bridges and provision of potable water across the state.
The solar streetlights were deployed in schools, healthcare facilities, markets, media institutions and vulnerable rural and semi-urban communities to improve safety, night-time activities and sustainable development.
Beneficiaries said the installations had improved security around newly constructed Mega and Model Schools, creating safer learning environments for students and staff.
They noted that illuminated hospitals and healthcare centres had enhanced service delivery, particularly during night-time emergencies.
Locations benefiting from the intervention include Mega and Model Schools in Buni Yadi, Damaturu, Geidam, Nguru, Potiskum and Gashua.
Other educational institutions include the College of Health Technology, Nguru; Geidam Polytechnic; and the College of Legal Studies, Nguru.
Specialist hospitals in Damaturu, Buni Yadi, Geidam, Gashua and Potiskum also benefited, alongside general hospitals in Damagum, Nguru and Fika.
Several rural and semi-urban communities were covered, including Dagona, Azam, Tagali, Madamuwa, Karage, Buduwa, Girgir, Hore Nyuwa, Mazagun and Kaliyari, among many others.
The commission also extended solar streetlighting to media institutions, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Yobe Television (YTV), Yobe Broadcasting Corporation (YBC) and Sunshine Radio, Potiskum.
Mr Mustapha Moh’d Gujba Banker, a beneficiary of the 2024 NEDC solar installation and maintenance training, described the initiative as a game-changer for community security and development.
He commended the NEDC management, led by its Managing Director, Mr Mohammed G. Alkali, and the Yobe State representative on the board, Dr Abubakar Garba Iliya.
Gujba Banker also praised the commission’s State Coordinator, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, and the collaboration with the Yobe State Government under Gov. Mai Mala Buni.
He said the partnership with the National Assembly and other stakeholders had strengthened post-insurgency recovery efforts towards lasting peace and sustainability in the state.
