By Edu Abade
In a bid to achieve sustainable energy, improved healthcare outcomes and a brighter future, the Lilbeckking Development Foundation (LIBEDEF) organized a stakeholder meeting to enhance transformative solar energy and restoration of climate projects across Nigeria.
The gathering brought together several participants, including Edo State Director of Climate Change, representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, traditional rulers from various communities, Civil Society Organiastions (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), health care providers and community people.
During the meeting, heads of local healthcare centers spoke passionately about the challenges they face due to unreliable electricity supply, emphasizing how the solar initiative held the key to revolutionizing service delivery.
Speaking at the meeting, Project Lead of LIBEDEF, Destiny Aigbokhae, commended the level of engagement and collaboration of environmental enthusiasts, climate crusaders and stakeholders towards promoting clean energy in communities across the country.
Director of Oghede Primary Health Centre, Mrs. Helen Gregefunwen said: “It is clear that there is a shared understanding of the critical role clean energy and environmental restoration will play in the future of our country. Consistent power supply will allow us to provide quality care and save lives.”
Beyond healthcare services, the stakeholders also recognized the potential for integrating solar power into Nigeria’s agricultural systems, further boosting productivity and food security.
But the initiative doesn’t stop there. In a move to address the pressing issue of climate change, the Enogie of Oghede Community pledged to spearhead a large-scale tree planting campaign, which is set to commence on January 18, 2025.
Also speaking at the event, Director of Climate Change in Edo State, Hon. Kenneth Woghiren, who spoke passionately about loss and damage and how participants could join hands to save the future, commended LIBEDEF for the selfless and impactful project the group has embarked upon.
Leader of Edo State Civil Society Organizations (EDOSCO), Mr. Omobude Agho said: “This will be a welcome ceremony for our solar project and restoration of our climate to protect our environment where the entire community will come together to plant trees and celebrate a brighter, more sustainable future.”
On her part, Executive Director of GWEDO, Comrade Cynthia Bright stressed the importance of moving away from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources and how civil society groups could effectively collaborate with LIBEDEF to make the youth stand for a sustainable environment and better future.
With the backing of diverse stakeholders, this holistic approach to renewable energy (solar energy) and environmental restoration is poised to create transformative change across Nigerian communities.
In his intervention, Executive Director of LIBEDEF, Beckley Irumudomon noted: “We are not just installing solar panels and power, but we are also empowering people, improving lives and safeguarding our planet. This is the kind of impactful, systemic change that Nigeria needs.”
