SHINING A LIGHT ON NIGERIA'S FUTURE: VALENTINE OZIGBO ENDORSES PIONEERING SOLAR POWER PROJECT

NaijablaseTv ( Ettah Emmanuel O.)

LAGOS — A monumental stride was taken towards addressing Nigeria's electricity challenge as Auxano Solar unveiled its state-of-the-art 100 megawatts (MW) Solar PV manufacturing plant in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

The trailblazing facility, which began conception in 2020, was launched on Thursday, September 28, 2023 by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Engr. Ayodele Antonio of the State Ministry of Energy. 

Notably, Auxano Solar Nigeria Ltd which was co-founded by brothers Chuks and Uche Umezulora have their first 10MW Solar Panel Manufacturing plant in Navy Town Lagos, making Auxano Solar to be the First Privately owned Solar PV Manufacturing facility in Nigeria.

The new 100MW Solar Panel Manufacturing facility at Ibeju Lekki has a significant $2 million investment from All On, an impact investor funded by Shell.

Praising the endeavour, Valentine Ozigbo, a multiple-award-winning Global CEO, in a heartfelt address to the press, commended the Umezulora brothers.

"It is with immense pride that I recognise the groundbreaking achievement of the Umezulora brothers, Chuks and Uche, illustrious sons of Uga," Ozigbo remarked. 

"Their vision, the Auxano Solar factory in Ibeju Lekki, is a monumental step forward in addressing Nigeria's significant electricity challenge. 

This venture not only promises renewable energy but hope and progress for millions," Ozigbo added.

Highlighting the grave electricity scenario that saw over 86 million Nigerians without power access in 2023, Ozigbo saw Auxano Solar as a shining beacon in these challenging times. 

"The darkness in Anambra is clearly optional. It is an aberration—a 21st-century scandal that needs to be eradicated," Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate, declared.

"Their vision, the Auxano Solar factory in Ibeju Lekki, which has the prowess to produce 100MW of solar panels locally, is a monumental step forward in addressing Nigeria's significant electricity challenge. 

As we celebrate this milestone, my fervent hope is that Anambra, rich in potential, soon basks in the brilliance of transformative energy solutions like this," Ozigbo said. 

The ambitious project's launch was graced by several dignitaries including Mrs Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On, a Director of Shell, bank executives, Afam Ogene, Chairman of House Committee on Renewable Energy, among others. 

Speaking to the press during the event, Chuks Umezulora, shared the company's aspirations. “Our focus is to penetrate the Nigerian market before moving towards exporting the Solar PV to neighbouring countries,” he highlighted, addressing both the formal and informal sectors.

Umezulora candidly addressed the challenges faced in the plant's establishment, particularly regarding capital expenditure. "This facility is one of many to come, and we look forward to eradicating the numbers of people in the country without access to electricity," he envisioned.

Demola Onanuga, the Chairman of Auxano Solar, sees the facility as a pivotal move in bridging Nigeria's electricity gap. “With this facility, we will be able to close the deficit in electricity accessibility in the country,” Onanuga commented, emphasizing its role in making solar power more affordable.

Wiebe Boer, the President of Calvin University and former CEO of All On, shed light on the broader implications of the project. “Some years back, the entire installed base of solar power in Nigeria was 200 MW. With this factory, Nigeria is heading in the right direction,” Boer reflected.

As Nigeria confronts its acute electricity shortage, the inauguration of the Auxano Solar facility marks a promising dawn, powered by the visionaries of today and the technologies of tomorrow.

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