Oyakhilome foundation parley UNIDO, ECN over usage of alternative energy supply

The United Nation Industrial Development Organisation(UNIDO) in conjunction with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Oyakhilome foundation have reiterated the resolve to address epileptic power supply in the country.

The trio particularly pledged to train youths on alternative energy generation to address issues of epileptic electricity supply in the country.

Mr Oyakhilome Bello, founder of the foundation and President, All Progressives Congress (APC) United States National Youth President made this known at a meeting with officials of the Department of Renewable Energy of the Nigeria Energy Commission (NEC) headed by Mrs Adeola Eleri, a Director in the commission.

Some of the foundation’s partners from America, including Steve Council and Prof. Henry Whitlow of Clark Atlanta University made presentations at the meeting via zoom on how to improve Nigeria’s Energy supply.

Bello while saying that the foundation had trained over 100 youths on biogas and solar panel production to provide alternative energy sources in the country, said it was seeking strategic collaboration with the commission to enable it do more.

According to him, besides its other programme, the foundation is poised to provide alternative energy sources to address the current erratic electricity supply in the country, especially with the constant grid collapse.

“Recall we were at the last Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Technology and Innovation Expo 2024 with the theme: “STI Solution to National Economic Challenge.

“Where we showcased solar panels produced by some of the over 100 youths we had trained on solar panel production and biogas from the country’s six geopolitical zines.

“We want Nigerians and the government to see biogas especially, as alternative to generate electricity in the country,
our plan is to invest more on biogas and solar production.

“We plan to take the project to rural communities and to impact on the less privileged because that is our utmost desire, to touch lives and to change destiny.

“We have also been training youths on skills acquisition, but as an individual with the zeal to positively affect lives, we can’t do it alone if we must make the desired impact,” Bello said.

He said the foundation was already planning a strategic alliance with UNIDO to organise entrepreneurship development training programmes for Nigerian youths.

Bello explained that the reason the foundation was seeking collaboration with government ministries, agencies, and parastatals was because it believe that together, we could achieve more and make life better for Nigerians.

He added that the foundation was currently working on a collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

He said it was also working with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment on entrepreneurship development training to achieve its goal.

Earlier, Eleri while welcoming officials of the foundation to the commission, said it was open to partner with it in the interest of Nigerians and the development of the country.

She said in achieving its mandates, the commission had done pilot studies on renewable energy and had conducted and developed a roadmap for the energy sector.

“We have created awareness on renewable energy technology and what we have in the country,” she said, adding that the commission’s various departments deals with all aspects of energy.

Prof. Whitlow while describing the foundation as a beacon of hope for Nigerian youths, and the underserved communities, commended it for empowering youths with skills and opportunities in the renewable energy.

This, he said, would bridge the gap between skilled workers and the growing demand for clean energy expertise.

Also speaking, Mr Olaniyin Ilori, the foundation’s National Co-ordinator said its partnership with UNIDO was to support entrepreneurs, especially Small and Medium Enterprise because of its contribution to national economy.

According to him, the foundation has already submitted a training proposal to UNIDO, adding that the proposed training will be done in the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Ilori said the major target of the foundation was the grassroots, especially the hard to reach communities in the country.

He said the goal was to equip individuals with knowledge, skills and resources needed to realise their potentials to enable them contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy growth.

“Through entrepreneurship initiatives, vocational training and economic empowerment efforts, we seek to uplift the vulnerable population.

“Our initiative is to promote entrepreneurship among youths and women, including mentorship programmes and support for educational institutions.

“The training is also aimed to enhance access to educational information for Nigerians and promote enrichment opportunities.

“We intend to empower youths and women to thrive academically and realise their potentials through the training,” he said.