Pursuant to renewed determination to provide access to electricity and further create gateway to new opportunities for Nigerian Women particularly in the rural parts of the country, the Federal Government has through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs provided Solar-powered home system for 100 different families in select Local Government Areas of Lagos and Akwa Ibom States. The items were distributed by State representatives of the Women Affairs Ministry.
According to the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Pilot program will also be extended to Kogi, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Katsina, Kano, Borno, Adamawa and Kwara States in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency under the Federal Ministry of Power, designed to reach 500 homes across the country.
’The Solar Home Systems are designed to allow rural homes enjoy steady electricity supply for all their basic needs. It is envisaged that steady supply of electricity will promote a better quality of life, allowing the women and children access to light at night that can be used to study and for other domestic activities. Solar power is the solution to energy poverty that currently plagues Nigerian women in rural communities.” the Minister said.
Barr Ohanenye also said that this initiative which is in alignment with the Renewed Hope policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government will provide women access to a range of solar-related jobs, such as solar panel manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and entrepreneurship, which can transform the lives in the rural areas by improving their economic situation and promoting energy access.
“Women will gain new skills and knowledge through training and education, allowing them to participate in the growing solar industry and develop their businesses. Additionally, the promotion of renewable energy sources like solar power can help mitigate the impact of climate change and provide a more sustainable future for Nigeria and the world at large”.
Speaking further, she outlined the benefits of the solar-powered home systems which include generating energy which does not produce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution, diversifying energy supply, creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing and installation for women and teeming youths, improved public health and inexhaustible energy.
The solar-powered home system is an all-in-one solar kit, a plug-and-play lighting solution that offers 12 hours of lighting after charging. It is designed for both home and business use and can be easily charged with a 12 Watt poly-crystalline solar panel, and features a replaceable 6.4V 6000mAh lithium-ion phosphate battery with battery protection for long-lasting use. With 4PCS 2W super bright SMD LED bulbs, the kit provides 200 lumens of light with a 360-degree ambient wide-angle spread. It also includes a high-quality FM radio and a USB charging option for emergency situations.
Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai
Special Assistant, Media
