Minister inaugurates 240KW solar-powered car park at UNN
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has inaugurated a 240KW solar car park valued at N900 million, donated by Azura Power West Africa to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
At the ceremony held on the university’s main campus, the minister, represented by the Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, emphasised the importance of power sector stakeholders like Azura Power West Africa, who continually contribute through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to address challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.
He noted that Azura’s contributions to renewable energy are aligned with the Federal Government’s Vision 30:30:30, aimed at generating 30,000 megawatts of power.
Azura Power’s initiative will enable the Faculty of Engineering at UNN to access “24 hours of uninterrupted power supply.”
The minister added, “Energy plays a crucial role in driving development, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, and industry… ensuring that our institutions have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.”
Highlighting the promise of renewable sources, he said, “Nigeria… faces many energy challenges, but one of the most promising solutions is harnessing renewable energy sources, particularly solar power.”
Edu Okeke, Managing Director of Azura Power West Africa, shared that the company dedicates $1 million each year to supply solar electricity to communities and institutions nationwide as part of its CSR efforts.
These projects, he explained, are distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ensure fair representation.
“Azura Power West Africa will continue to ensure that communities and institutions without electricity are provided with alternative sources of energy to give back to society,” Okeke said.
During the launch, the university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, Professor Romanus Okonkwo, representing the Vice Chancellor, expressed appreciation for the donation.
He highlighted that the 240KW solar car park will address the institution’s ongoing electricity issues, noting that “the intervention by Azura is a laudable initiative.”
He also mentioned the university’s substantial debt to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, amounting to about N800 million, which has led to disconnection from the national grid.
