“Children Need Light to Study,” Ayra Starr Speaks on Power, Education Crisis in Nigeria
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has highlighted how poor electricity supply continues to affect children’s education and development across Africa.
Speaking at the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York City, the singer reflected on growing up in Nigeria with unstable power supply. She said many children still struggle to study and live comfortably because they lack reliable electricity.
According to Ayra Starr, regular blackouts shaped her childhood and forced many young people to adapt to difficult conditions early in life.
“If I came back from school and I was able to have AC or even fan in the heat and do my assignments, that would have made a big difference,” she said.
Her comments spotlight the challenges many children face daily. In several communities, students return home from school without electricity to read, complete assignments, or access digital learning tools.
As a result, many rely on candles, lamps, or phone flashlights at night. Others stop studying once darkness falls. Experts say this limits learning opportunities and widens inequality among children.
Ayra Starr also explained how poor electricity affected her grandmother’s small business. She recalled having to sell tomatoes and pepper quickly because there was no light to preserve them.
The singer further stressed the importance of renewable energy solutions for underserved communities. She encouraged young Africans to explore ideas that could improve electricity access across the continent.
“A young girl can be watching this right now at home and it’s like, okay, let me try and find solar energy solutions for my country too,” she said.
In a recorded message at the summit, Afrobeats star Ayra Starr said children need electricity to study, grow, and achieve their dreams.
“No child should be left in the dark,” she added.
