The CGWCI Green Energy Project, an innovative initiative by the Courageous Girls, Women, and Children Initiative (CGWCI), is making waves in Nigeria by addressing the nation’s energy crisis and empowering youth through solar energy solutions. Speaking to The Trumpet, the founder, Ms. Ayovuata Courage Uyoyou, detailed the project’s achievements and its profound impact on communities and individuals.
Launched in 2022 in collaboration with MitchelEE Engineering Limited and the Delta State Government, with sponsorship from Elomaz Foundation, the CGWCI Green Energy Project is tailored to train young Nigerians, aged 18 to 35, in solar energy installation and maintenance. The program boasts a unique gender representation of 60% women and 40% men, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
The first cohort of the program ran from November 2022 to May 2023, training 100 participants over eight months. The highlight of this cohort was the installation of a 2.5kVA solar power unit at Oleh Primary Healthcare Center, which had been without electricity for two decades. This milestone, achieved in partnership with MitchelEE Engineering Limited, was celebrated on May 5, 2023. One year later, the center marked 12 months of uninterrupted power supply, a testament to the project’s sustainability and impact.
The program’s second cohort commenced on October 11, 2024, with an orientation for another 100 beneficiaries, followed by a rigorous seven-month training that blends virtual theoretical sessions with in-person practicals. Participants are gearing up to install a 3.5kVA solar power unit at another primary healthcare center in Delta State, bringing hope to a community with little or no access to electricity.
Ms. Uyoyou highlighted the broader objectives of the CGWCI Green Energy Project, emphasizing its role in improving access to healthcare for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). “The inability to access health facilities has created significant challenges in prosecuting SGBV cases and supporting survivors,” she said. By powering primary healthcare centers, CGWCI ensures that these facilities remain accessible and functional.
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Beyond addressing energy needs, the project empowers SGBV survivors by integrating them into the training program. During the International Day of the Girl Child in October 2022, CGWCI matriculated 100 young women, including SGBV survivors, into the solar energy training. After completing the program, these women applied their skills in a hands-on project to electrify Oleh Primary Healthcare Center.
The project has garnered widespread acclaim. During the commissioning of the Oleh center, community leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders praised CGWCI’s transformative efforts. Late Chief Edo Umuakpero, Secretary of the Oleh Council of Chiefs, stated, “The health center had never had its own electricity source before. We sincerely commend the CGWCI Founder/Executive Director, Ms. Ayovuata Courage Uyoyou, and her partners for this great achievement.”
The project’s success is rooted in collaboration. MitchelEE Engineering Limited provided technical expertise, while partners like the Delta State Government, Elomaz Foundation, Rainluz Nigeria Limited, and the African Network for Empowerment Unity and Development offered crucial support.
As training continues, Ms. Uyoyou reaffirmed CGWCI’s commitment to uplifting communities through sustainable energy solutions. “Our goal is not just to train individuals but to create lasting change that improves living standards, especially for vulnerable populations,” she said.
The CGWCI Green Energy Project exemplifies how innovative solutions and community-driven initiatives can address systemic challenges. By empowering youth and ensuring accessible healthcare, CGWCI is not just solving Nigeria’s power problem—it is transforming lives and shaping a brighter future.
