Speaking recently at the signing of deal by his company and British
American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Mr. Agbakoba asserted, “Of the
world's 1.6 billion people living without electricity, 80% live in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
ITRealms Online, recollects that Solar Jooce, a social
enterprise and British American Tobacco Foundation, an independent charitable
organisation recently signed a collaboration agreement to train rural women in
Oyo State in assembling and repairing basic solar lanterns and phone charging
units.
Agbakoba, who was joined at the ceremony by Mr. Gbenga
Ibikunle, the Executive Director, BATN Foundation, disclosed that the essence
initially is to train 20 rural women.
The training, he said, would help them to establish a solar
micro-business.
The training will also empower the ladies to light up their
communities, and spread the use of solar as an alternative to dangerous and
expensive fossil fuelled lighting such as kerosene lamps.
The workshop, which is into its 4th week, covers four Local
Government Areas in Oyo state - Itesiwaju, Kajola, Oyo West, and Iseyin –
before moving on to other states across Nigeria.
He pointed out that the ladies have received marketing and
financial management training, in Yoruba, by Mrs. Yemi Owolabi, Executive
Director, Finance of Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria, and entitled “Growing
your New Solar MicroBusiness.”
The Solar Jooce women’s empowerment initiative is a small
step in the daunting task of providing a clean, alternative source of
electricity, alleviating poverty, and providing opportunities for rural families
in Nigeria”.
ITRealms Online, recalls that the training workshop is equally
supported by the Hertz Corporation, C & I Leasing (transport &
logistics), Sesema PR, and the Bishop of Ajayi Crowther Diocese, Bishop O. O.
Oduntan.
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