Foundation Launches Website To Promote Renewable Energy 

On Friday, The Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) launched a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) platform to promote renewable energy alternatives in Nigeria.

Prof. Chisom Ndukwe-Okafor, the Executive Director of CADEF, speaking at the launch of the DER in Lagos, said the platform was designed to be a one-stop hub for empowering Nigerians to embrace clean energy solutions.

The CADEF director said that it would provide Nigerians with the tools and knowledge needed to embrace these energy solutions.

“It aims to address critical knowledge gaps and drive the widespread adoption of renewable energy across Nigeria, from bustling urban centres to underserved rural areas.

“The DER platform also lists institutions offering loans for clean energy projects, but this is just one part of the puzzle,” she said.

Ndukwe-Okafor, emphasising the urgent need for accurate information about renewable energy systems such as solar panels, batteries, and charge controllers, highlighted inadequate education and awareness as major gaps in the adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria.

She also stressed the need for the government to provide more financial incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy.

According to the CADEF boss, some of the benefits of renewable energy include reduced health risks associated with the use of generators, lower energy costs, and reduced carbon footprint.

She, however, noted that despite the potential benefits, there were several challenges facing the adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria, including inadequate funding, high upfront costs, and lack of access to credit facilities.

“CADEF is also empowering young people to become entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector through its Green Labs Incubation Programme.

“This programme aims at providing training and mentorship to young people with innovative ideas in renewable energy.

“Our goal is to nurture self-reliant individuals who not only sustain themselves but also create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s green economy.

“To date, the programme has trained over 80 participants, emphasising entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and sustainable business practices.

“I envision a future where Nigeria becomes a nation that exports goods and services rather than relying on imports, and where young people are empowered to become entrepreneurs and job creators,” she said.

Ndukwe-Okafor urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities in the renewable energy sector and to be part of the movement to promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

She noted that a thriving renewable energy sector would boost industries, manufacturing companies, and Nigeria’s competitiveness on the African continent.

NAN/Chidimma Gold