By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, alongside celebrated technocrats like Prof. Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, and Dr. Valentine Ozigbo, renowned business executive and former CEO of Transcorp, each bagged a prestigious award and significant honor at the just-concluded 2024 International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Smart Agriculture for National Development.
Organized by the Faculty of Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, the well-attended event also beamed light on some of the notable contributions of the awardees toward sustainable green energy initiatives in Nigeria, vis-a-vis the general strides being made to address pressing national challenges through eco-conscious solutions.
It was gathered that Commissioner Chukwuemeka’s recognition is rooted in his transformative role in advancing Governor Charles Soludo’s green energy solution agenda across Anambra State. Chukwuemeka has led a series of impactful initiatives under the state’s ambitious strategy to integrate renewable energy. This, it was further gathered, is broadly evidenced in the massive conversion of Anambra’s diesel-powered streetlights and diesel-powered borehole to solar-powered systems, a shift that has significantly decreased operational costs while supporting the state’s environmental goals.
As the Commissioner has always emphasized, evidence abounds that the installation of solar streetlights, which now illuminate major roads, high courts, the state secretariat, and local government centers, has reduced Anambra’s reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in more sustainable and dependable power solutions, and operational efficiency of key infrastructure.
Addressing the participants at the conference, Commissioner Chukwuemeka further gave an overview of how the state’s water facilities and some other facilities have also adopted solar power as a primary source in Anambra today under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, providing clean and sustainable energy to the people. This, he said, has not only made Anambra’s energy policies more eco-friendly but has also provided a reliable power backbone that benefits communities at a fundamental level.
Speaking further on the achievements, Engr. Chukwuemeka praised the commitment of the Soludo Administration in prioritizing eco-friendly technologies to ensure essential services reach every corner of Anambra State. Highlighting the success of the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, he noted that multiple new water facilities now rely on solar technology, drastically improving water availability for both urban and rural communities. This strategic move, he said, not only supports Anambra’s sustainability goals but also makes clean, uninterrupted water accessible to the state’s residents—a necessity that impacts quality of life and promotes healthier living standards. He emphasized that these accomplishments in green energy solution align the broader vision of the Solution Government in the state, which has shown realistic and practical commitments to combining environmental sustainability with effective service delivery.
The Commissioner added that through partnerships with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Anambra has embarked on local production of prepaid meters, aiming to increase metering efficiency and promote accountability in electricity usage across the state. He also expressed readiness to expand these collaborations with the academic sector, with a vision to positioning Anambra to tackle both immediate and long-term energy distribution needs with innovative, sustainable solutions.
Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka expressed gratitude for the award, describing it as both a motivation for the Ministry’s continued dedication, work and support towards Anambra’s sustainable development goals and the Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership. He also praised the Faculty of Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University for their role in fostering future engineers. The Commissioner charged the students to pursue innovation, further reinforcing his commitment to impactful, eco-friendly initiatives for the state and beyond.
Also at the event, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, whose pioneering work in Nigeria’s energy sector earned him national and international acclaim, was also celebrated for his steadfast commitment to green energy. Known for his previous role as Minister of Power and his advocacy for sustainable energy policy, Nnaji’s contributions have shaped the national discourse on renewable energy and policy reform. His strategic insights have also continued to inspire a generation of engineers and policymakers working towards a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure.
On his own part, Dr. Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent business leader and respected advocate for corporate sustainability, was equally honored for his contributions to renewable energy advocacy within the corporate sphere. As a former CEO of Transcorp, Ozigbo has been instrumental in promoting sustainability within Nigeria’s corporate sector, influencing numerous companies to adopt renewable practices that align with global environmental goals. His emphasis on renewable energy as both an economic driver and an environmental imperative underscores the growing momentum for corporate responsibility in Nigeria’s green energy evolution.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that, by recognizing leaders and technocrats like Engr. Chukwuemeka, Prof. Nnaji, and Dr. Ozigbo, the 2024 Conference not only celebrated outstanding contributions but also set the stage for new breakthroughs in green energy and sustainable agriculture, aligning with Nigeria’s broader goals of energy independence and environmental stewardship.
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