By Smith Nwokocha

Afrika Vuka Day is closely tied to Africa Day and it is a powerful moment of Pan-African Solidarity to demand an end to Fossil Fuels expansion across the Continent. This year in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, precisely the 22nd of May, 2025; Young community students and youngsters, over 500 of them, were so excited to be part of the Afrika Vuka Day Celebration in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, which is tied to Africa Day. It was historic for the young champions of Niger Delta region of Nigeria, as the principal (Mrs. Jubo Thompson) and other staff and teachers including some parents that were around, expressed happiness joining the Celebration. The focus was instilled on the theme: “REPower Afrika”.

Demands were made, which emphasised the need for our leaders and policymakers in Nigeria and Africa to ensure a just and fair Renewable Energy Transition, among other demands.

Comr. Smith Nwokocha stressed the importance of the theme, using Renewable Energy to power up Africa by powering countries on the Continent. For Nigerians and the teeming youths in the Niger Delta, #REPowerNigeria, means, using RE to curb the Energy deficiency or deficit in the Country, wondering how a country with so much Oil and Gas, still faced with pathetic Electricity supply/Power shortage.

A Solar Panel that charges an Android phone and other gadgets was donated to the Community School (Community Secondary School, Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria) for use and, more importantly, to see the need for RE and the usefulness and efficiency of Solar Power. Again, a Solar Lamp was lighted for all to see, and they appreciated the natural flow of power source (Solar). The young champions promise to take action on RE through Advocacy ad Campaigns.

Subsequently, Nwokocha introduced a Guest who spoke to the students on “Greatness that brings out the African Strength”, Dr. David Chukwueke, he pulled the young champions through seeing their values as Africans and nothing short of greatness. They have been educated to stand out as future leaders.

Lastly, Smith Nwokocha, the Coordinator, Quest For Growth and Development Foundation, appreciates Afrika Vuka Network for being a network of “Green Hope” (Repowering Africa through Renewable Energy) for the African Continent.

 #REPowerNigeria to #REPowerAfrika