Owukpa Women Benefit From EDN Solar Power System Distribution

As part of the bid to support a post-extractive future for Owukpa women, a global solidarity network for Indigenous Peoples, impacted communities, and local organizations advocating for the right to say “No” to mining—partnered with Eco Defenders Network to distribute multi-functional solar power systems to about 40 women.

The Owukpa women championed peaceful efforts that led to the halting of environmentally destructive coal mining activities in their community in 2021, tagged; “Yes to Life, No to Mining (YLNM)”.
The event in Owukpa was met with great enthusiasm as the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, which will help address their energy needs at home and in their businesses.

                                                               
Speaking at the event, Shehu Akowe of Eco Defenders Network, who represented YLNM, stressed that the gesture calls for the government and well-meaning Nigerians to Akowe also advocated for ecologically and socially just energy alternatives, and the support of energy systems that value diverse ways of life and protect the land, air, and water on which everyone depends.
He further canvassed for Nigeria’s vast solar and wind potential to be harnessed to create clean energy alternatives to coal.

According to Akowe; “Embracing these technologies will help move us beyond the violent and harmful practice of extraction, which assumes the Earth has no limits, and instead provide communities with clean energy systems”.
Responding, two of the beneficiaries, Mrs. A.A. Cecilia and

Akowe emphasized the importance of unity in advocating for life-sustaining, post-extractive futures that respect human dignity and environmental integrity.

Mrs. G. Enenche, expressed gratitude, acknowledging that the gesture would help address the long-standing issue of energy deficiency in Owukpa.

They thanked the organization for the solar-powered systems, affirming that the new lights would improve their homes and businesses and therefore called on the government to embrace solar energy as a viable alternative to their
community’s ongoing energy access challenges.
Madam Julie Ooja, a community environmental mobilizer and member of Owukpa who has long supported her fellow women in their fight for a cleaner environment, expressed appreciation to YLNM for supporting Owukpa’s women.

Ooja reiterated that the women would continue to advocate for the closure of the coal mine while also calling for the
development of better infrastructure, including improved roads, schools, functional hospitals, and access to clean, portable water and reliable electricity.