The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has inaugurated a N900 million solar car park at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, donated by Azura Power West Africa.
During the ceremony, which took place at the university’s main campus, Adelabu highlighted the commitment of companies like Azura Power West Africa to addressing the challenges in Nigeria’s power sector through Corporate Social Responsibility.
Represented by the Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, the minister emphasized that Azura’s initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Vision 30:30:30, a strategy to generate 30,000 megawatts of power by 2030, advancing the development of renewable energy in the country.
“As you are aware, energy plays a crucial role in driving development, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, and industry, and one of the key factors is ensuring that our institutions have access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.
“Though Nigeria as a developing nation faces many energy challenges, one of the most promising solutions is harnessing renewable energy sources, particularly solar power,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Azura Power West Africa, Edu Okeke, stated that his company allocates $1 million annually to provide solar electricity to communities and institutions as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
He revealed that the company’s CSR projects are spread across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, ensuring that federal character and proportional representation are reflected in the selection of project sites.
“Azura Power West Africa will continue to ensure that communities and institutions without electricity are provided with alternative sources of energy to give back to society,’’ Okeke stated.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Rumanus Okonkwo praised Azura Power West Africa for its generous donation, emphasizing that the provision of the 240KW solar car park to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, will help address the ongoing electricity crisis at the institution.
He acknowledged the significant impact of the initiative on improving power supply and supporting the university’s operations.
He said the institution owes the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company about N800,000,000 and the school has since been disconnected from the national grid.
“We are happy with this development, some faculties and departments would rely on the solar car park for electricity, the intervention by Azura is a laudable initiative,” Okonkwo noted.
