Ogene empowers 100 youths with renewable energy skills
By Jeffrey Agbo
A member of the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has trained 100 youths of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in renewable energy skills as part of his youth empowerment programmes.
The three-day training, which began on Thursday, was organised in collaboration with the Border Communities Agency (BCDA) and MODESCOM Solution Ltd.
The training focused on solar energy installation and maintenance, equipping beneficiaries with practical skills to thrive in the renewable energy sector. According to Ogene, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, the trained youths will receive start-up equipment, funding, and logistical support to enable them to earn a living in the renewable energy sub-sector.
This initiative aims to promote self-dependence among youths in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
Among the trainees were 100 male and female youths below 40 years.
According to Ogene, the training aimed to discourage youths from engaging in social vices. He expressed concern over the high level of unemployment and economic depression among youths in the country, emphasising the need for meaningful engagement.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Ogene leveraged his connections with local and international organisations to provide quality training and skill acquisition in renewable energy services. This initiative seeks to empower young people in the area, offering them a viable alternative to banditry and other negative activities.
This initiative is a precursor to various empowerment programmes slated for next year in the area.
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Addressing the participants, Ogene expressed concern over the high rate of unemployment and under-employment among youths in the country, emphasising the need for proactive measures to address this challenge. He assured that the training would equip the youths with the necessary skills to earn a living and become entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector.
The training, which focuses on solar energy technology, aims to provide the youths with a solid foundation in renewable energy services, enabling them to become self-reliant. Participants will receive tools and equipment, and a monitoring mechanism will be put in place to track their progress.
Resource person, Suraj Shittu, commended the enthusiasm and eagerness of the youths to explore opportunities in the renewable energy business. He highlighted the advantages of solar energy technology and how it can be leveraged to achieve self-reliance.
“This empowerment program is a step towards addressing the unemployment crisis among youths and promoting sustainable development in the area,” he said.
Some of the youth including Nnamdi Obiekie said he was happy to be allowed to learn about renewable energy initiatives while stressing happiness that he learnt about installation and maintenance of solar systems.
An overjoyed James Adione spoke about the privilege and opportunity provided, noting that the programme exposed him to the economic advantage of renewable energy for self-reliance.
On her part, Fate John was impressed with the exposition of how renewable energy can assist her earn a living.
She particularly dismissed the misconception that the installation of solar panels was meant for the males alone and with the training, she discovered it was for both males and females.
Some of the stakeholders in the area commended the benefactor for attracting such a meaningful opportunity to the people of the area.
