The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a Renewable Energy College in Osara, Kogi state.
The state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo in a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Isah Sunday in Abuja, commended President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo gave the commendation at the groundbreaking held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara where he laid the foundation for the college along with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji and the Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.
The Governor expressed optimism that the project will help in addressing the negative impacts of climate change by promoting renewable energy sources and adaptation in Nigeria.
According to him, the Renewable Energy College aims to empower marginalized segments of the society by fostering gender equality, and enhancing local resilience.
Earlier, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji said the groundbreaking for Nigeria’s first Renewable Energy College marks a significant moment towards sustainable development and energy transition in the country.
He maintained that the establishment of the college shows the commitment of the Ministry in addressing manpower gap in the renewable energy industry and a step towards harnessing abundant energy resources through effective collaboration with industry players under the coordination of Energy Commission of Nigeria.
He emphasized that the success of the college will rely largely on the support of the Kogi state government, the host institution and community to ensure its sustainability.
The minister commended Governor Ododo for his immense contributions towards making the Renewable Energy College a reality and building a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
In his remarks, the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi said the Renewable Energy College is a significant milestone in the journey towards the delivery of renewable energy solution in Nigeria.
He noted that the initiative will not only bridge the gap in manpower development but will also enhance the knowledge base in innovation and opportunities in renewable energy.