CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE TARGETS NIGERIA’S OFF-GRID COMMUNITIES

The Solardero Foundation is using renewable energy products and skills training to address electricity shortages in underserved and off-grid communities across Nigeria.

The social enterprise, founded by Sayedero Enitan, has distributed about 6,000 solar-powered school bags equipped with solar panels and study lights to students in communities with limited or no electricity.

The initiative has also provided complete solar power systems and digital learning equipment, including laptops, to rural schools.

Among the communities that have benefited are Ibiade, which reportedly spent more than two decades without electricity, and Idata in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

Beyond providing equipment, the foundation combines its projects with vocational training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students receive basic training in solar installation and maintenance alongside certified technicians.

The organisation said the approach is intended to help communities maintain renewable energy systems locally while creating opportunities for young people to develop technical skills.

Enitan said the foundation’s focus was on practical solutions that improve education, safety and economic opportunities.

The organisation is seeking corporate partnerships and funding to expand school electrification, develop solar products for traders and increase renewable-energy skills training in other off-grid communities.