Sustainable energy access has been identified as a crucial element needed in creating a brighter and more equitable future for Nigerians, especially the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) operators.
Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, said this during her visit to Iponri Market, Surulere, in Lagos.
The purpose of the visit was to inspect the first phase of solar installation in the market, funded by the Universal Energy Facility (UEF).
The UEF is a results-based finance facility administered by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and executed by SOLAD Integrated Power.
Ogunbiyi highlighted the significance of interacting with end users and gaining insights into the impact of clean and reliable energy on their business operations.
She stressed that sustainable energy access was not only essential for economic growth but also crucial in empowering communities with clean and affordable energy solutions.
“Sustainable energy access is the cornerstone of a brighter and more equitable future as our visit to the market underscores that.
“It underscores our commitment to empowering communities with clean, affordable and sustainable energy solutions while setting the stage for Nigeria’s energy transition to a greener future,” she said.
Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, lauded the initiative to electrify the Iponri Market with sustainable energy solutions.
He recognised Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing energy access, driving economic growth, and embracing the transformative potential of solar energy.
“The electrification of the Iponri Market with sustainable energy solutions exemplifies Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to enhancing energy access, driving economic growth and embracing the transformative potential of solar energy.
“This visit to witness the impact of clean, affordable energy reaffirms our dedication to businesses, emission reduction and advancing our nation toward a more sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the event were Mr Abubakar Sulaiman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank; and Caroline Eboumbou, Chief Executive Officer, All On, amongst others.
In August, SOLAD Integrated Power began the provision of clean, sustainable and renewable energy solutions to empower business owners within Iponri Market.
This is through the utilisation of solar power, while the market’s MSME owners are gaining access to stable, affordable, and clean energy with 200 customers currently connected.
By Oladele Eniola
