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Nigerians demand consistent electricity »

From CNN’s Errol Barnett

 

When you see the pitch black video shot by Amara Nwankpa in Nigeria you’re tempted to wonder what he’s trying to show you until you realize the darkness is the point. He drives around his neighborhood showing many homes in the dark except for those paying to run their own generators. His iReports also show business owners complaining that irregular power cuts into their profits. Yet, Nigeria is rich with natural gas and oil resources and its number one client is the U.S, so what’s going on?


Amara says it’s a “failure of governance” and he wants change. He’s using iReport , Twitter, Facebook and other social media to get it. He calls his social media movement “Light up Nigeria.” Hundreds of supportive messages on Twitter can be seen under #LightUpNigeria, tens of thousands of people have joined their Facebook group and all this has mobilized action around the world.


In London, a group of supporters demonstrated outside the Nigerian High Commission. In Washington D.C., a Nigerian event included speeches on the energy problems of the country. In Nigeria’s capital, Amara has held town halls encouraging his country mates to speak out and more events are planned.

 

I took notice of all of Amara’s efforts and decided to reach out to him via webcam for an interview, which we had to do twice because of power problems. We were also able to get the Government of Nigeria to respond to the issue – see CNN’s coverage here. But this story is far from over. We want to hear more from CNN viewers in and from Nigeria with views on this issue so upload your own story to the new “Light up Nigeria” assignment page.

Posted by: zdan // October 22, 2009
Category: stories
5 Comments

October 23, 2009

Click to view doll's profile

I think it is so unfair that with the riches of this world..only certain "privileged" ones get NECESSITIES such as this.. I shake my head and heart at the powers that be.

October 23, 2009

Click to view humanfaith's profile

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October 28, 2009

Click to view TheTrust's profile

To product the electrical power for this country simply harness the power of each email the scammers from Nigeria send out and you will have all the power you need.

October 28, 2009

Click to view declectic's profile

Am trying to understand why when it comes to Nigeria, the need to see the under dog triumph eludes the public. Here are a few Nigerian's trying to make the country better so that we can create a stable environment for our kids so they don't end up like the 'fraudsters' we seem to be constantly recognized for. Support is all we need right now not a constant drivel about the image our 'bad eggs' have cast on us. Help us push our cause higher or please try not infect us with negativity.

November 7, 2009

Click to view GreatIdea's profile

The lack of consistent electricity is a very critical problem for the oil rich nigeria. Demonstrates corruption, lack of stability, and won't attract many foreign investors. Its a relatively cheap problem to fix compared to Nigeria's profits from oil production, if only the nation was less corrupt.

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