Non-governmental organization, Quest for Growth and Development Foundation, has joined the continent-wide celebration of Africa Vuka Week by marking Africa Day at Rumuodomaya Community Secondary School in Port Harcourt.
The event highlighted a strong focus on promoting renewable and affordable energy.
Speaking at the event, the foundation’s coordinator, Smith Nwokocha, highlighted the pressing need to shift away from fossil fuels, which he described as the root cause of Nigeria’s unreliable power supply.
“With the power situation in Nigeria, and even across Africa, being epileptic because our energy sources are tied to fossil fuel, we are using this medium to encourage renewable and affordable energy,” Nwokocha said. “Solar energy is environmentally friendly and reliable, unlike fossil fuel, which has many negative effects on the environment.”
He expressed excitement over the participation of young students, noting, “I am thrilled that we get to celebrate this day with the younger generation because it is important that they are aware of renewable and affordable energy.”
The principal of Rumuodomaya Community Secondary School, Mrs. Chindah Bridget, thanked the foundation for creating awareness among the students. She noted that renewable energy offers a practical solution to Nigeria’s twin challenges of rising fuel prices and unreliable electricity supply.
“Renewable and affordable energy will help people in Nigeria. It is easier and safer to use, especially for business owners and for personal use,” Mrs. Bridget said. She also pointed out the disadvantages of fossil fuel, adding, “It brings noise pollution and air pollution due to the fumes generated from burning.”
Students at the event also expressed their gratitude. Miss Fred Marilyn Ariel, a student representative, shared her takeaways from the programme.
“I learnt so much. Renewable and affordable energy such as solar is very important for everyone. As students, it helps boost education by enabling us to study at home,” she said.
The event underscored growing calls across Africa for cleaner, more accessible energy solutions, with an emphasis on educating the next generation to lead the transition.
