History was made yesterday, Saturday, August 10, again as the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) held an epoch-making Groundbreaking Ceremony of Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BRE College) in Kogi State.
The epochal event witnessed the presence of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and other who is who in the Ministry as well as other critical stakeholders in the energy sector, including state functionaries from the Confluence State led by the unassuming and self-effacing numero uno of the state, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
According to the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, under whose leadership the initiative was conceived and now birthed, he expressed his elation over the birth of an idea that was conceptualized to explore and exploit the country’s energy potential in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His words,
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our journey towards transitioning from fossil-based energy resources to renewable energy. Addressing the energy manpower gap is crucial for making substantial progress in this sector. This foresight has led to the establishment of a college/academy dedicated to renewable energy studies.”
While appreciating the support of his supervising Minister, Chief Uche Nnaji, and that of Mr. President, the Energy Commission boss, Dr. Abdullahi further stated;
“Furthermore, this Academy/College is a remarkable achievement in our journey towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically vibrant future. The establishment of this academy represents the creation of a beacon of knowledge and empowerment, which perfectly resonates with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. In an era where the challenges of climate change and energy access are glaring, our mission here is clear: to harness the power of renewable energy and empower communities through education and training. The Barefoot Renewable Energy Academy aims to bridge the energy manpower gap, driving innovation, competence, and self-reliance in the renewable energy sector. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter and greener future.”
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, acknowledged the spirited effort of Dr. Abdullahi for pioneering Nigeria’s first Renewable Energy College in the country.
In his submissions, the Honourable Minister averred;
“This college marks a significant moment in our national journey towards sustainable development and energy transition. Today, we are not just laying the foundation for a building; we are planting the seeds of innovation, sustainable progress, and a brighter future for our nation. The establishment of this college shows the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s (FMIST) commitment to addressing the manpower gap in the Renewable Energy (RE) industry and harnessing our abundant energy resources through effective collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)”.
The initiative, in the words of the supervising Minister, is not just a coincidence but a well-thought-out and articulated programme by the DG, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, who is a son of the soil, aimed at building capacities in the field of energy in the state and by extension across the entire country. The vision behind this college is very simple yet very much consolidated; as it is focused on the establishment of a college of excellence that will equip our youth with state-of-the-art skills, technical knowledge and academic proficiency and certification needed to drive the renewable energy sector.” He submitted.
The event yesterday was a further testament to the commitment of Dr. Abdullahi to create a brighter, more sustainable future for our nation. The Barefoot Renewable Energy College is a step towards that future, and it is soul-gratifying the positive impact this initiative will have on the lives of many Nigerians in not too distant time to come.