By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
No fewer than 63 households around the Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Taraba State have been connected to solar power through an off-grid electrification project jointly implemented by the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria.
The solar mini-grid project, commissioned on Saturday in Mayo Selbe community, is part of ongoing efforts to support sustainable development and conservation-friendly livelihoods for park-edge residents.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni, described the project as a landmark in community empowerment.
Goni, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General, O.C. Oladipo, said the intervention would enhance collaboration between the park authorities and neighbouring communities.
“This initiative by ANI Foundation and the Australian High Commission demonstrates the power of partnerships in driving inclusive conservation and local development,” he said.
The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency Leilani Bin-Juda, said the project brings clean, renewable energy to Mayo Selbe for the first time, transforming the lives of 63 households.
“This solar project is not only about electricity, it is about providing access to opportunity. From lighting homes to powering small businesses, we are empowering people and promoting environmental sustainability,” she said.
The High Commissioner added that the project was fully funded by the Australian government and implemented in collaboration with ANI Foundation and Okra Solar, an Australian-based company.
“We are proud to partner with the ANI Foundation and Okra Solar to deliver real, lasting benefits to the communities around Gashaka-Gumti National Park,” she said.
Retired Federal High Court judge and member code of conduct bureau Anuja, Justice Ibrahim Buba, said the electrification project reflects a shared vision for grassroots development.
“This initiative proves what is possible when vision meets commitment. It also aligns with Governor Agbu Kefas’s broader efforts to lift rural communities through meaningful partnerships,” he said.
Also speaking, Taraba State Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism, Hon. Titus Joseph Nagombe, hailed the project as a vital support system for ecotourism and conservation initiatives in the state.
“We are grateful to ANI Foundation and the Australian High Commission for this impactful project. It strengthens our state’s tourism sector while directly improving lives,” Nagombe said.
In his remarks, the Lamdo of Gashaka, Alhaji Zubairu Hammangabdo Sambo, described the project as a “new dawn” for the Gashaka area.
“This solar electrification will drastically improve security, education, healthcare delivery, and economic activities in our community. It is a historic intervention,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr Richard Okorie Emmanuel and Mrs Hafsatu Ladam, expressed joy over the development, saying it would bring a positive shift in daily living.
“This is the first time we are having power supply in our community. It will boost my business and allow me to operate late into the evening,” Okorie said.
On her part, Ladam noted, “We now feel safer at night and can even power small appliances for our children’s schoolwork. It’s a blessing.”
The project, which is expected to serve as a model for future interventions, is aimed at bridging the energy gap in hard-to-reach communities and supporting conservation through community development.
