Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has unveiled a N900m solar car park donated by Azura Power West Africa to the faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Performing the ceremony at the university’s main campus, the minister disclosed that power sector players like Azura Power West Africa understand the inherent challenges in the sector hence their regular interventions through Corporate Social Responsibility CSR.
Represented by the Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, the minister stated that the Azura milestone in the development of renewable energy in Nigeria is in line with the Federal Government’s Vision 30:30:30, when Nigeria targets the generation of 30,000 megawatts of power. .
According to him, Azura Power is one of the leading companies in the power sector today, saying the University of Nigeria Nsukka will now enjoy 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply, especially the Faculty of Engineering.
“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, said his company sets aside $1m annually to provide solar electricity to communities and institutions under its corporate social responsibility activities.
He disclosed that its CSR projects are located across the six geo-political zones, ensuring that federal character and proportional representation are reflected in its site of projects.
“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.
Also speaking at the launch of the solar car park was the Vice Chancellor of the University, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Professor Rumanus Okonkwo, who applauded the kind gesture of Azura Power West Africa, saying the provision of the 240KW solar car park to the university will address the lingering electricity crisis in the school.
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.
Azura West Africa is one of the leading generating companies in Nigeria with 460 megawatts supplied to the national grid daily.
