How 14-year-old student got solar-powered electricity for studying in ‘darkness’

The video of a 14-year-old student, an orphan, studying in darkness at a roadside in Idu, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has changed the course of the community’s history.

Thanks to the power of the social media as the video clip went viral and caught the attention of Governor Umo Eno who has ordered immediate installation of solar-powered light and the renovation of young lad late father’s house.

Abraham Akaninyene’s plight attracted the attention of many and it underscores the importance of electricity in community and social development.

Though Akwa Ibom was among the first states in the country to have a gas-powered electricity generating plant, many of the rural communities remain in darkness due to skewed constitution of the country which did not allow states to generate and distribute electricity at the same time.

Late last year, the Managing Director of the state-owned Ibom Power Company, Meyen Etukudo was removed from office by the governor after prolonged power outages.

Akaninyene, a Junior Secondary School class three student of Comprehensive High School, Idu, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with no access to electricity in their home, had stepped out into the street and located a nearby solar-powered street light to do his homework.

“I noticed this and made a video of the orphan who, in his quest for education, braved the dangers of the night to study. I sent the video to Governor Umo Eno, who, filled with compassion, promised to install solar- powered electricity in the boy’s home.

“True to his words, Governor Eno immediately directed his Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, Nsikan Umoekpo to carry out his directive.

“Today, not only is installation work ongoing in the boy’s home, including solar electricity-powered water pump but the governor has gone further to direct a renovation of the home for the family of the boy in line with the compassionate home initiative.”

The lack of electricity in many homes has also been attributed to poor energy infrastructure and the theft of electricity facilities by hoodlums.

Recently, the state police command paraded suspected criminals who vandalised electricity cables in many parts of the state, a sad development which has been a recurring decimal in the state’s quest for a 24-hour power supply.

Akaninyene’s homework done in darkness has turned out to be the harbinger of light not only to his family but to his community.

Observers say the installation of the solar-powered electricity in Akaninyene’s community will serve to motivate other students to take special interest in education as it can lead to a transforming experience.

Since assuming office, Governor Umo Eno has shown unusual compassion to many who are vulnerable in the society in diverse ways including building houses, giving them start-up grants and awarding scholarships, among others.