Niger State to establish renewable Energy agency

Abdul Mohammed Isa Niger State

Niger State government in North Central Nigeria,is to establish a Renewable Energy Agency and Institute to engage and train youths including the girl child across the state.

The Governor of Niger State Abubakar Sani Bello, stated this in United Kingdom during an interaction on policies that will bring about youth engagements, women empowerment and improved girl child education.

The Governor who said his administration is committed to initiating programmes, policies and projects that have direct bearing on youths in the state , explained that the Institute will serve as a training hub as well as vocational Centre .

“A robust regulatory and institutional framework as well as action plan for the implementation will be worked out soon”. added Gov Sani Bello

He also observed that renewable energy is capable of improving energy and addressing electricity inequality not only in the state but the country at large as it can be deployed in both rural and urban areas.

“The programme will commence and focus on creating understanding of solar energy technology, installation, repair and maintenance of solar energy systems pointing out that renewable energy sources will be included in the long term”.

The Governor according to a statement by his spokesperson Mary Noel Berje, expressed optimism that the programme when successfully implemented, would spur entrepreneurship among the youths, make them self reliant, improve the economy of the state and serve as a model for other states of the Federation among others.

“The initiative which is expected to bring on board about 2,500 youths, will also be implemented on an equal opportunity basis for all the youths across the 25 local government areas of the state”.

The meeting according to the governor’s spokesperson has afforded the state an opportunity to discuss on how the UK government can support in sponsoring Judicial Training for TIER 4 courts (Magistrates) and continuity of the programme in the state.

Responding, Member of the British Parliament Helen Grant,who lauded the initiative ,promised to provide all the needed support to achieve desired results as it concerned women and girl child.