A renewable energy plan for Cross River State was unfolded yesterday following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), the renewable energy business subsidiary of Oando Energy Resources, a part of the Oando PLC Group.
The agreement was signed in Dubai as a sideline of the ongoing COP28 summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The MoU will facilitate the rollout of electric vehicles for mass transportation within the state, setting up an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant, thus creating jobs for local indigenes as well as building a 100MW wind plant for power generation.
Representing the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu at the MOU signing was with the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oden Ewa.
Ewa said: “This landmark agreement marks a significant step forward in Cross Rivers’ journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. The MOU paves the way for the transitioning of our mass transit system to cleaner and less expensive fuels whilst also allowing for the use of our natural resource, wind to provide electrification for our people”.
He added: “I commend Oando Clean Energy for their innovative solutions that address the impact of climate change in Nigeria and her citizens”.
OCEL President/CEO, Dr. Ainojie Irune said: “As a company, we are committed to ensuring that this journey to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future is as seamless and as easy as possible. By putting our confidence in, not only the technology but the partnership and ensuring that the Cross River State Government and her people reap the benefits of generating power from sustainable sources”.
He added: “Oando Clean Energy’s scope spans the entire 35 states of the federation and the FCT; and with one state at a time, we will create a cleaner, more viable energy ecosystem for Nigeria and our people”.
Some of those who were at the pavilion include Minister of the Niger Delta, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of the Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Kunle Salako; Director General, (NCCC), Dr Salisu Dahiru.