Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has praised President Bola Tinubu for the creation of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.
The commendation came during the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
Governor Ododo, alongside Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji and Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, laid the foundation for the new institution.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo expressed confidence that the college will address the adverse effects of climate change by advancing renewable energy and fostering adaptation in Nigeria.
He highlighted the college’s role in empowering marginalized communities, promoting gender equality, and enhancing local resilience.
On his part, Uche Nnaji described the ceremony as a pivotal step toward sustainable development and energy transition in Nigeria.
He stressed that the college’s establishment reflects the Ministry’s dedication to closing the skills gap in the renewable energy sector and collaborating effectively with industry stakeholders under the Energy Commission of Nigeria’s oversight.
Nnaji also emphasized the importance of support from the Kogi state government, the host institution, and the local community to ensure the college’s success.
Also speaking, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, hailed the college as a key advancement in Nigeria’s renewable energy journey. He noted that it will address the manpower shortage and expand knowledge and opportunities in renewable energy innovation.
