September 09, (THEWILL) – No fewer than fifty youths selected from across states in Nigeria were trained as solar technicians by the Greening Youth Foundation Africa (GYF Africa), in partnership with Mactay Consulting Firm.
The five-week initiative programme aims to address issues facing renewable energy within Nigeria and Africa in general, so the continent can be free from energy dependence, one of which is to maximise the use of renewable energy as an alternative.
Thus, THEWILL observes the environmentally friendly event brought Lagos State government officials, private sectors, a team from the International Climate Fellowship, and GYF North American senior leadership, who urged Nigerians to start relying on renewable energy like the developed world. On the other hand, the gathering provides a solution focusing on overcoming energy dependence.
Chief Executive Officer of Greening Youth Foundation Africa (GYF Africa), Mr James Ezeilo, who spoke at the GYF Africa 2024 graduation ceremony of the Solar Technician Training Programme on Friday, in Lagos, stated, “If there was constant power supply, there would be no need for these technical solutions.”
Ezeilo expressed commitment to making sure the foundation equips the youth with solar technical know-how, promising a bigger and more effective training programme in 2025.
“Developed countries of the world are relying on renewable energy. However, these developed countries of the world undoubtedly produce fossil fuels and emissions, which is an enemy of conservation, refine them, and sell them to us. So, we are the ones with the natural resources and buying back our natural resources as they are being refined; that is backwardness”, he said.
“Five weeks ago, it was about setting records and encouraging individuals to strive for betterment in their lives. Be part of the transformation campaign in ensuring Nigeria as a nation is free from energy dependence”, he added while encouraging them to see strength whenever challenges arise and transform them into revenue-generating opportunities. “You have to make money out of it. So, it’s not simply stepping into a space, putting tiles on the roof, and walking away. There are so many facets that go into it. Everything from procurement to engineering, among others. “ With this training program, we can help you to better prepare yourself to go into that space. You have a strong fossil fuel industry in Nigeria.
You have to indigenously take control of your own destiny. Otherwise, you will outsource everything. It will take all of you in this room to make that change, and it will happen though; it will be a struggle, but you will win.” The activities at the event centred on many initiatives, including making it public affairs and entrepreneurship, which aligned with capacity building. Participants received various categories of awards and presentations of certificates by the GYF Africa Sr. Project Manager, Jude Isong, an interactive session, a collaboration hub, and more.
Tunde Rotimi, Director of Business Growth and Strategy at Mactay Consulting Firm, said that the participants were trained in solar installation, maintenance of solar panels, and troubleshooting. “We offered them free solar components tools like safety booths, eyeglasses, helmets, and safety belts.
In addition to paying for their websites, we also paid for their corporate affairs commission registration, engaged a social media specialist to provide a three- to five-day training on how to create a social media profile, and advised them on potential brand promotion strategies, ” he added.
Rotimi, while applauding Mr Ezeilo for organising a training programme of such importance, stated that the activities would not have been possible without the trainees’ participation. He expressed pleasure over the participants’ turnout, noting that this year, the foundation has increased participants to more than fifty.
He added, “Unlike in 2023, when the cohort was first launched, only 30 solar technicians were trained. “I hope to see more candidates admitted into the programme in 2025.” He said that with the Mactay support team, the trainees acquired effective communication skills, good writing business skills, and effective leadership skills, among others.
The free training ensures the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting corporate social responsibility and intentionality, and creating opportunities for those who may not have been able to participate in paid training. To buttress the claims, “Our selective criteria worked the last time, and this year is still working.”
He said that the collaboration with Lagos State governments aims to change this initiative from being a private enterprise to possibly a public sector. “We want to partner with the public sector to take this project to the next level.” Different categories of awards were presented to some of the best-performing candidates during the occasion to motivate them to always give it their all whenever the chance arises.
The Honourable Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, the Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, commended the graduates for their dedication, hard work, and perseverance during the course of the training, as they have not only gained valuable knowledge but also developed critical skills that will enable them to become trailblazers in the renewable energy sector.
Ajigbotafe noted that the immense importance of the solar energy sector in our global pursuit of sustainable development must be recognised. He advised that graduates should embrace lifelong learning and maintain an open mind to innovative ideas as the renewable energy sector is expanding quickly. “They hold the keys to a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous future, not just for themselves but for generations to come”, he urged.
Ibrahim Owolabi, State House of Assembly Lagos Mainland Constituency 1, said: “The graduates are doing well today, and you are making me look better. I couldn’t have done this alone. We should look at how we can right the wrongs and the mistakes of our ancestors. A programme like this is just the first step towards the greatness that we are seeking to attain.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
