Abia First Lady Empowers 100 PLWDs With Solar Energy Systems

The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, says the state government will continue to consider the interests of persons living with disabilities (PLWD) in its programmes.

Mrs. Otti stated this on Friday during the distribution of 100 Tubu Solar Energy Systems to 100 beneficiaries living with disabilities at the Government House, Umuahia.

The event, tagged “Empowering Abilities: Illuminating MSMEs with Solar Solutions,” was organized by the Office of the Wife of the Governor in conjunction with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Otti said the program is designed to provide individuals, especially women, youth, and vulnerable persons, with skills and resources to harness solar energy for economic and social benefits.

She added that the program seeks to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges by promoting the use of renewable energy in underserved communities.

According to her, “It will also address economic empowerment by training beneficiaries in solar panel installation, maintenance, and entrepreneurship.

“The initiative equips them with practical skills to create income-generating opportunities.

“Also, a major focus is empowering women and young people to actively participate in the renewable energy sector, fostering self-reliance and reducing unemployment.”

Mrs. Otti emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, “We gather here today not just to distribute solar equipment, but to create opportunities, break barriers, and reinforce our commitment to an inclusive society where every entrepreneur, regardless of ability, has the tools to thrive.”

She highlighted the numerous benefits of solar energy for small businesses, including extended working hours, cost reduction, and improved productivity.

She added that the program includes business registration support and capacity-building training.

She also noted that beneficiaries in the food processing sector would receive assistance in obtaining regulatory approvals from NAFDAC to help scale up their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Mr Tayo Dudu, CEO of TUDU Energy, highlighted the features of the TUDU solar energy system, which include a 100-watt battery, a 30-watt solar panel, four LED bulbs, a Bluetooth speaker, a radio, and four USB ports.

He assured recipients of a two-year warranty and technical support, emphasizing that they would continue to follow up on their progress and provide necessary assistance.

“We will be visiting the recipients of these products in the coming months to monitor their progress. If we find out anyone has sold their solar system, we will take action accordingly,” he said.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry & SMEs, Mrs. Chinwe Uba, while commending the Wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, and the Wife of the State Governor for the initiative, called on those yet to register their businesses to take advantage of the ongoing free business registration in Abia State.

“What the government is doing is ensuring that every one of us has something to do. If you are into cloth making, shoe making, or any other business, come to us,” Uba said.

On her part, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Blessing Felix, said the present administration is disability-friendly and has demonstrated this by setting up a commission for the welfare of persons with disabilities, including empowering them in various positions in the state.

She noted that the Wife of the Governor decided to increase the number of beneficiaries to accommodate all and urged the 100 recipients not to sell the items but to utilize them properly.

Speaking in an interview with THE WHISTLER, Kelechi Jacob, a person with a disability who sells provisions and recharge cards and also works as a POS agent, expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Priscilla Otti, for empowering her business through the Priscilla Otti Solar Empowerment Program.

She noted that the solar power system would greatly improve her business operations, ensuring uninterrupted service for her customers.

“I am really grateful to the First Lady for this support. As a POS agent, having a reliable power source is very important for my business. This solar system will help me serve my customers better and increase my income. God bless her for remembering people like us,” she said.

THE WHISTLER reports that the event was attended by government officials, industry stakeholders, and beneficiaries, including Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, wife of the Deputy Governor; the Special Adviser on Persons Living with Disabilities, David Anyaele; the Special Adviser on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; and the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, many of whom expressed gratitude for the initiative.

Abia First Lady Empowers 100 PLWDs With Solar Energy Systems is first published on The Whistler Newspaper