Lighting Up Opportunities: Renewable Energy Training Launched in Borno

By Hassan Sani Saidu

Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Usman Kadafur, on behalf of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, received the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and his management team in Maiduguri.

The visit marked the official launch of the Renewable Energy Training Programme under Phase II of the Energizing Education Programme, a Federal Government initiative aimed at equipping 100 students in Borno State with practical skills in renewable energy technologies.

The training programme is part of ongoing national efforts to promote renewable energy adoption and build local capacity, particularly among youths. It is designed to enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and support self-reliance in the country’s growing energy sector.

In his remarks, Deputy Governor Kadafur commended the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their commitment to people-centered development projects in Borno State. He emphasized that initiatives like the Renewable Energy Training Programme are timely and relevant, especially as the state continues to address gaps in electricity supply, education, and youth empowerment in the post-insurgency recovery phase.

The Renewable Energy Training Programme is a strategic step toward equipping our youth with valuable, future-oriented skills. It will not only contribute to individual growth but also drive the socio-economic development of Borno State, the Deputy Governor said.

Kadafur also highlighted the achievements of the Zulum administration in renewable energy solutions, including rechargeable mass transit vehicles, solar-powered boreholes, schools, hospitals, and the widespread electrification of government and public institutions.

He assured REA leadership of the state government’s full support and readiness to collaborate with the Agency and other stakeholders to tackle unemployment and youth restiveness. He stressed the importance of synergy between federal and state institutions in building sustainable livelihoods and boosting productivity.

In response, REA MD/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to inclusive development through energy access and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in states recovering from insurgency.

The visit and the training programme reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and the state administration’s resolve to provide opportunities that improve the quality of life of Nigerians, particularly in regions recovering from the impact of insurgency.