The First Lady of Ondo State, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has again reiterated the need for individuals, stakeholders and government to take steps and make the needed change in the society.
Speaking at the official launch of a 5-day training programming put together by the Office of the Wife of the Governor in conjunction with Ashdam Initiative tagged: ‘Solar4Girls Naija’ for Senior Secondary School Students at Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu stated that she got interested in renewable energy as a result of the present day reality in Nigeria where there is no electricity supply and the oil wells have been over exhausted.
At the newly launched summer boot camp, the over 200 participating students from all over Nigeria, will be trained on how to build solar panels and also will be given other life enhancing skills from the other collaborating NGOs involved in the programme.
The participants are to be trained on Energy Management, Green Energy Sources, Climate Change Awareness, Building of Solar Panels, Life Enhancing Skills, Sanitation and Menstrual Hygiene among others.
The State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde used the opportunity to laud the efforts of the First Lady towards building the future of the society by empowering women and bridge the gap between men and women in solar energy sector and keying into the visions and agenda of the administration.
He also expressed gratitude to all those that made the vision a reality from sponsors to facilitators.
In her opening address, the Chief Operating Officer of Ashdam Solar Limited, Mrs. Damilola Ashaleye affirmed that the training programme is a dream-come true as the girls will have the opportunity to impact their world.
“We are training these girls so that they can be able to have an impact. We are doing this to encourage them to join us because this field is no longer for the men. We are ultimately hoping to attain gender equality in this field.
“We decided to do solar training because our climate is actually changing; the temperature is getting higher and the solution is renewable energy. The amount of solar that reaches the earth is more than enough to power the whole world.
“At the end of this training, these girls will be able to install solar panels, assemble it and also be able to build solar ovens by themselves”, she further stressed.
One of the Facilitators, Mrs. Adesokan in her own remark affirmed the place of renewable energy noting that the young girls are going to become renewable energy Advocates at the end of the day. While also stressing that the girls will be exposed to other areas of health education, Mrs. Adesokan further observed that once a girl child is empowered, there is no limit to what she can achieve.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the founder of Elizade University, Chief Michael Adeojo who was ably represented by Mr. Segun Ajeigbe thanked the First Lady for putting the initiative together stressing that girls are indeed the future of tomorrow.
One the Special Advisers to the Governor of Ondo State, Eng. Tunji Ariyomo Light in his goodwill message also charged the beneficiaries on their place in history noting that they are going to be part of the effort of redefining Nigeria.
