Enugu state Governor , Dr. Peter Mbah, Monday, inaugurated the Enugu State solar health project and steering committee with a charge on people to harness the power of innovation and collaboration inorder to build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Performing the inauguration at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, Governor Mbah said, the project underscores the critical link between access to clean energy and the health and well-being of communiti
He added that the challenges we face in healthcare and energy access are interconnected and require innovative, collaborative solutions.
Pix: Gov Mbah
Represented by the Secretary to the state Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah said,” Enugu State has long been committed to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing energy deficits.
Pix: SSG, Prof Onyia¡(m)
“With the Nigeria Solar for Health Project, we are taking a bold leap toward ensuring that primary healthcare facilities across the state have reliable, sustainable, and uninterrupted energy supply. This initiative aligns perfectly with our administration’s vision to enhance the quality of life for every citizen of Enugu State,” he said..
The Governor said the deployment of solar energy solutions in our healthcare facilities means that critical healthcare services will no longer be interrupted due to power outages.
“By leveraging renewable energy, we are reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to the global fight against climate change. This is a huge leap in our efforts to promote sustainability, “he said.
Governor Mbah added that efficiency would be bolstered, as healthcare workers will be empowered with the tools and resources needed to provide timely and effective care.
He thanked their partners—the European Union, GIZ, UNIDO, and the Climate Fund Manager- “whose technical expertise and financial support have made the project a reality.”
This partnership he said, further highlights the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing shared challenges. It also demonstrates that Enugu State is a trusted and capable partner in advancing global development goals.
“As we launch this transformative initiative, I reaffirm Enugu State’s unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for progress.
Pix- The committee members.
” With the final draft of our Off-Grid Energy Strategy in place, we are poised to expand access to clean energy solutions across all sectors.
’ We will ensure that the benefits of this project are felt by every community it serves”.
He added that beyond energy, they were equipping the healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art tools and trained personnel.’ For us, the physical structures are as important as those features that truly make hospitals worth their name.
“The goal is ensuring that even in the most location, residents are guaranteed quality healthcare,” he said.
The Governor called on all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their dedication to the project’s success and to explore synergies that will extend the benefits of solar energy beyond healthcare to other vital sectors, such as education and agriculture.
He described the Nigeria Solar for Health Project as” a symbol of hope, resilience, and progress for Enugu State. Together, let us harness the power of innovation and collaboration to build a brighter, healthier future for all.”, Gov. Mbah said.
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He prayed that the project will inspire people to continue striving for excellence in the service to humanity.
In his opening remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Associate Prof Ikechukwu Obi, said the solar health project was the surest way to provide an off-grid power source.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Agency ( ENPHCDA) Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani Osheku, stressed the importance of power in the health sector. She said ,”the primary healthcare is responsible for immunization of children and the vaccines were kept in a controlled temperature which needs power supply..
Ani- Osheku said the state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah was constructing 260 Primary healthcare Centers in the 260 political wards in the state , building a healthcare system that is resilient, that will ensure reduction of high mortality rate in Enugu state.
In her speech ,the leader of the Eû, team, Miss Inga SteffaNowicz expressed joy that Enugu State was the first to key into the project.
Inga explained that Solar health project will provide clean and , reliable electricity and mitigate climate change issues.. She added the project will provide green energy for the people and communities.
There were presentations on “European Union in Nigeria” by Godfrey Ogbemolu, Project manager, EU, Nigeria.
He said his organisation started partnership with Nigeria in 2008 and had committed over 200 million Euros to power sector both on and off- grid initiative between 2008 – -2020 . He added that they also committed 37 million Euros to a new energy access program with 7 projects under construction.
He also spoke on areas of intervention in the power sector, which included fund,job creation, infrastructure ,manpower training among others.
On his part, Duke Benjamin of GIZ, spoke on the Nigeria Energy Support Program( NESP)
In his presentation on Nigeria solar for health project, Stakeholders engagement manager, Tiayan Ogiehoer spoke on how people can expand access to clear and efficient energy.
. He said Enugu State was one of the five states they were working with in Nigeria..
According to him, the EU will give as support, 2,080,000 Euros and Enugu State will provide N1 billion. He said fund will cover all capital development, from solar PV, battery storage, inverter, mounting system ,, connection system, metering , training, installation among others.He disclosed consumers will pay for the electricity,at 60%: 40% ratio, with 60% paid back into the state ESCROW account and 40% paid to the developer.
The Committee has the Commissioner for Health , Associate Prof Ikechukwu Obi as chairman, Special Adviser to the Governor on health, Dr. Yomi Jaye, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani- Ocheku members.
Others are Joe Aneke, Tony Okowa, Dubem Onyia ,Jnr. and Chijioke Okonkeo.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama