CSOs to empower youths on solar installation, maintenance

Two Civil Society Organizations – The Hope Hossana Foundation and DG-Integrated Solar Energy Services are partnering in a project tagged, Light Up Abuja.

The project which was unveiled yesterday is the provision of a six-month training programme for 10,000 Nigerian youths on solar energy installation as well as CCTV camera installation and maintenance in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Managing Director, De-Integrated Solar Energy Services, Engineer Chibuike Onyejietu, stated yesterday in Abuja during the unveiling ceremony that the organization has been in the business of training youths along such professional line.

He however assured that the Light-UP Abuja training programme, which is scheduled to begin first week of December, will see to the empowerment of huge population of Nigerian youths almost free of charge with the support of The Hope Hossana Foundation.

He said: “The training will afford participants the opportunity to learn more about security and solar energy and they will reciprocate the gesture by training other youths.”

Onyejietu noted that the equipment for the training is made available by DG-Integrated Solar Energy Services, stressing that with the support of the partner foundation, the project will meet its desired aim and objectives, which include the empowerment of Nigerian youths, reduction of unemployment as well as combating of social vices across the country.

Speaking on his motivation, Onyejietu noted that he was moved by the poor power situation and unemployment among youths. According to him, the six-month intensive training will enable participants understand the “A-Z” of solar energy and CCTV installation and maintenance among other relevant skills.

“We believe in giving them the technical knowledge on how to be self-reliant and not just dashing them peanuts. We give them the skill that will enhance their living standard and encourage a crime-free society.”

The organizers consequently encourage youths from the six area councils of Abuja Municipal to avail themselves the opportunity of the training. Meanwhile, training centres have been designated across 11 centres including Kwali, Jabi, Lugbe, Gwagwalada and Karo.

He also hoped that agencies and bodies will support in any measure as the project aims at national development.

Also speaking, Director of Training, Dr. Ben Onwudinjo, noted that the programme has the backing of the FCT Department of Mass Education, which ensured availability of training centres.

He informed that at the end of the training, participants would be made to sit for a modular examination set by the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) and that certificates issued to participants can get them registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

For The Hope Hossana Foundation, Nwachukwu I. Mary, stressed that having set out on the project, they are optimistic of achieving desired result of empowering 10,000 youths.