From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The North East Development Commission has installed solar-powered streetlights in schools, hospitals, markets, media houses and communities across Yobe State as part of its post-insurgency recovery and development interventions.
The project, which spans the 17 local government areas of the state, is aimed at improving public safety, security and access to essential services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas affected by years of insurgency.
Findings by The Triumph showed that the intervention complements other ongoing NEDC projects in the state, including the construction of schools, roads and bridges, as well as the provision of potable water.
Some of the facilities covered by the solar streetlight installations include newly constructed Mega and Model Schools in Buni Yadi, Damaturu, Geidam, Nguru, Potiskum and Gashua. Other beneficiary institutions are 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, as well as general hospitals in Damagum, Nguru and Fika, were also provided with the solar-powered infrastructure to enhance nighttime operations and emergency response.
Markets and commercial centres, including modern and local markets across the state, benefited from the project, while several media organisations such as the Nigerian Television Authority in Damaturu, Yobe Television, Yobe Broadcasting Corporation and Sunshine Radio, Potiskum, were also covered.
Residents of several communities including Dagona, Azam, Tagali, Madamuwa, Karage, Buduwa, Girgir, Mazagun, Kaliyari, Bara, Goniri, Sabon Garin Nangere, Dawasa and Dogon Kuka confirmed the installation of the streetlights, noting improved visibility and security.
A beneficiary of the 2024 NEDC solar streetlight installation and maintenance training, Mustapha Mohammed Gujba, said the intervention had contributed to safer environments around public facilities and residential areas.
The NEDC said the solar streetlight project aligns with its mandate to support recovery, stabilisation and sustainable development in the North-East region following years of conflict.