November 26, (THEWILL) – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, urged the federal government to focus on developing renewable energy to generate electricity in order to solve the problem of insufficient power supply in the country.
Obasanjo, who disclosed this at the inauguration of a 2 megawatt solar power project at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL, Abeokuta, said that the use energy renewable for electricity would ensure clean and carbon-free emission
He maintained that the goal of producing Nigeria’s electricity from renewable energy “is achievable, affordable and transformative.”
The ex-president, while explaining that the OOPL solar power project was a reflection of the organization’s commitment to clean and renewable energy, described the project as the single largest investment that is a not-for-profit organization.
He said “We hope that by committing to consume renewable energy we inspire others to follow and still inform others to do their bit for the environment. Our great nation also needs to commit to producing our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources.”
“This goal is achievable, affordable and transformative. It represents a challenge to all Nigerians – in every walk of life, to our political leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, and to every citizen.”
“This is a generational moment. I’m asking each of you to join me and build this future. Our success depends on our willingness as a people to undertake this journey. We have a duty of care to the planet and to every person upon it. We must fulfill it by making our energy system clean, efficient, affordable and sustainable”. he added.
The two term civilian president, speaking further on the Solar Power Project at OOPL, said that it was a large investment that is cost effective compare to the use of diesel to power generators at the Library
The Octogenarian also noted that the facility would generate revenue by monetizing it with strategic sponsorships and marketing alliances stressing that the solar power could generate electricity, generate revenues that contribute to the upkeep of the library,
He said” As large an investment as it is, it is remarkably cost effective. It costs less than two and half years to supply diesel to power our generators. So in diesel terms it pays for itself in less than three years. So in effect the electricity it produces after three years is almost at no cost.”
“In addition, because it is not emitting any greenhouse gases that diesel generators do, it has the potential to earn carbon credits which are currently priced at US$ 40/ton. Based on estimated annual production of 2,307,000 kiloWatt hours per year, we can expect to earn nearly US$39,589 in carbon credits per year.”
“Our time on this beautiful earth is limited. In my life I have sought to be a responsible steward for nature. This facility marks one of the enduring personal legacies I am proud to call my own.”
“The responsibility to make this earth green again will fall on you, the coming generations. While you youth may represent 60% or more of our population you represent 100% of its future and the future of humanity. For there to be a future there must be a habitable planet, which you must make. It’s your world now, take it and run with it.” he hinted
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director of Dantata Solar Limited, the installer of the power project, Najeem Animasahun, opined that 70% of the materials used for the execution of the project and human resources were sourced from Nigeria, adding that only inverters and the panels were the materials imported into Nigeria.
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