By Gabriel Atumeyi
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has advocated for the diversification of the country’s energy sources, saying it would stimulate the nation’s economy.
He said Nigeria could make giant strides in innovative solar energy solutions if it explored the abundant sunshine in the country.
Omo – Agege made the disclosure while speaking at the commissioning of a 1.35 megawatts solar hybrid power plant on Saturday, at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State.
He noted that a diversified energy source would also create more robust avenues for national income, fight endemic poverty, as well as positively marcth forward on the path of sustainable economic development.
According to the Deputy President, the project, which is under the Federal Government’s Energising Education Programme (EEP), will produce enough electricity to power the entire FUPRE community and cater for the energy needs of its over 6,000 population.
He added that the project is designed to provide sustainable and clean energy to 37 Federal Universities and seven University Teaching Hospitals across the country, under the auspices of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The Delta Central lawmaker further explained that the initiative is projected to create over 100 jobs and significantly boost FUPRE’s local economy.
Senator Omo-Agege, who sponsored the bill establishing the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, in the Eighth Senate, also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the bill into law.
“Today’s event is a significant opportunity because of what solar energy solution represents. Firstly, it is part of the present global energy paradigm shift and we cannot afford to be left behind. Secondly, it is a veritable solution to our endemic power problem. Thirdly, it provides hope for creating a cleaner, pollution-free environment. Finally, it is happening in FUPRE – an institution with a mandate that includes the development of clean energies. This itself represents a positive challenge for members of this institution to be leaders in clean energy research and development.
“Another dimension of solar energy solution that provides a good challenge to the FUPRE academic community is its environmental friendliness. FUPRE is situated in an environment where pollution, resulting from the exploitation of fossil energy is endemic. To this extent, it is smart to creatively take on this challenge because, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Solar energy technologies are relatively young and fast evolving. There is room for new strides. This is your time to make real impact. Let the world hear about your exploits in this regard.
“It is equally important to emphasize that globally, nations are moving away from conventional energy sources to renewable ones because of the limitless opportunities. We can be part of this innovation. Let us take a cue from similar initiatives in even some Third World countries that are making significant strides in the field of renewable energy. India pioneered biogas technology by way of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants. Today, Kenya is reportedly close to attaining a 100 percent mark for renewable energy for all its electricity needs,” he said.