NDA Commandant, Others Bag Prestigious Solar Energy Society of Nigeria Fellowship
By Mohammed Tijjani
The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, has bagged the Fellowship of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prestigious honour was conferred upon him during the 41st National Solar Energy Forum 2024 on Tuesday in Kaduna.
NAN also reports that others conferred with the fellowship were; David Ombugadu, a politician-cum-philanthropist and Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, the CEO of Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), among others.
Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the SESN forum, Ochai said the NDA was at the forefront of adopting solar energy for the environment’s sustainability, which was one of the academy’s areas of focus.
He recalled that earlier in 2024, the NDA established the Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, all targeted at conserving the environment and developing it in a sustainable manner.
According to him, one other area to achieve sustainable development while conserving the environment is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable and cleaner energy reliance where solar energy plays a major role.
The commandant disclosed that in a few days, NDA would be inaugurating a 2.5 Megawatt solar farm.
“That will go a long way on our path towards becoming energy independent.
”When it is fully operational, NDA will be off the grid, it will help in decarbonising the environment and save cost in other energy investments,”he said.
Ochai thanked SESN for conferring him with the fellowship, stating that it would further encourage him to invest more for its impact not only within the NDA but within Afaka community and beyond.
“Whatever energy we are going to generate through solar power, we will share it with the academy’s community as part of our CSR and also to drive home the message that solar energy is the future,” Ochai said.
Earlier, Gov. Uba Sani said Kaduna was one of the leading states that had provided unique approaches towards renewable energy.
Sani, represented by the Managing Director of the State Power Supply Company, Aminu Idris, said the state was partnering with companies and government agencies to ensure effective utilisation of renewable energy.
Also, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmad Dangiwa, emphasised the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, with solar energy playing a major role.
Dangiwa, represented by Aishatu Yusha’u, a Controller at the ministry, said in the context of urban development, solar energy can play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability.
“According to UN-Habitat, cities require an uninterrupted supply of energy, consuming 75 per cent of global primary energy.
”To address this challenge, cities can adopt sustainable urban energy plans, strategies, policies, and legislation to enable a gradual transition to a low-carbon economy.
“The use of solar energy in urban development can also have numerous benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and enhancing energy security.
“Furthermore, solar energy can be integrated into building design and construction, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable development.
”Solar energy is the future, and its adoption is essential for achieving sustainable development and energy independence,”he said.
Mr Abba Abubakar, Managing Director/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), said they have been working tirelessly to provide reliable and sustainable energy access to rural and underserved communities.
Abubakar, represented by Mr Timothy Shekari, said through a series of initiatives, REA had successfully energised many markets and clusters, providing energy access to over 1.2 million people.
He said the initiative has not only improved the quality of life for the communities but has also stimulated economic growth and development.
Abubakar restated the REA’s commitment to continuing its work in promoting energy access and sustainability in Nigeria.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, the President, Governing Council, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEAA), Abuja, said it was time to bring an end to the epileptic power supply in Nigeria.
He said the Alliance was delighted to see the NDA taking a bold step towards embracing solar energy.
Onuoha said NDA’s bold step to build its solar power plant aligned with the alliance’s mission to promote the development and use of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria.
“Our alliance is committed to supporting the growth and development of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.
”We believe that renewable energy is the future, and it is essential that we transition from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
“The NDA’s solar farm will be a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions prioritise sustainability and renewable energy.
“As an alliance, we are working tirelessly to promote the development of policies, laws, and regulations that support the growth of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.
”We are also providing training and capacity-building programmes for professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy sector,” he said.
Onuoha said that the goal was to create a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
On his part, Ombugadu said that over 80 million Nigerians lacked access to renewable energy, hence the need for more investments in the sector.
He advocated more commitments towards transition efforts to renewable energy for national development. (NAN)
No comments:
Post a Comment