The Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, inaugurated an off-grid solar power project in Mayo Selbe, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The off-grid project with the capacity to deliver power to 63 households was funded by the Australia High Commission in Nigeria.
Ms. Leilani Bin-Juda, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, described the event as a meaningful milestone regarding community impact.
“It is truly inspiring to see the fruits of the collaboration between such an innovative Australian company, Okra Solar, and our esteemed partner, the ANI Foundation, through the High Commission’s Direct Aid Programme.
“I commend the ANI Foundation for the remarkable projects empowering local communities, particularly around the Gashaka Gumti National Park.
“This initiative, which has provided clean, green solar energy to 63 households in Mayo Selbe for the first time, represents a meaningful milestone in delivering tangible benefits to the local communities around Gashaka Gumti National Park,” she said.
Represented by Mr. Nacha Geoffrey, ANI Foundation’s Country Manager, Bin-Juda, urged the community to continue to preserve the national park for greater benefits ahead.
Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conversator-General (C-G) of the National Park Service, described the event as a new feat by the ANI Foundation regarding community empowerment.
Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired judge of the Federal High Court, said in his goodwill that the event was a testament to a partnership founded on vision and commitment.
“The inauguration of this solar electrification project in Mayo Selbe is a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets commitment.
“This initiative, spearheaded by the ANI Foundation in invaluable partnership with the Australia High Commission and the Gashaka community, exemplifies a truly transformative collaboration,” he said.
Buba, a member of the Code of Conduct Bureau, said he was delighted that the community’s longstanding partnership with the ANI Foundation was preserving the natural heritage while fostering sustainable development.
Mr. Titus Nagombe, Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism in Taraba, said the project aligned with the developmental goals of the Gov. Agbu Kefas administration.
The commissioner who lauded ANI, the Australia High Commission, and Creeds, the project’s implementing partner, said the state government remained committed to supporting such worthy projects.
Also speaking at the event, the Lamido of Gashaka, Zubairu Hammangabdo-Sambo, commended the partnership between the ANI Foundation and the Australian High Commission, saying the project marks a new height in community development initiatives in the area and beyond.
Richard Okorie Emmanuel and Hafsatu Kasan, beneficiary households, said the project would not only empower those who own shops in the community but would also give the entire Mayo Selbe community a new lease of life.
Among other notable dignitaries present at the event were the Chairman of Gashaka Local Government, Mr. Yusuf Alura; heads of sister security agencies in Gashaka; and ANI officials.
By Gabriel Yough