The Azura Power West Africa Limited, operator of the 461 megawatts (MW) Azura Edo GenCo in Benin, Edo state earmarks $1 million dollars (about N444.9 million) annually for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in the host state and other places in Nigeria.
The Managing Director, Engr. Edu Okeke, stated this on Sunday during this year’s annual giving event which was held both in Benin and Abuja where the company installed 4 kilowatts (kw) solar power and inverter systems each and other donations.
Speaking at the Facado Orphanage in Abuja, Engr. Okeke, said Azura executes these projects under its Power to Change scheme following the SDGs.
Okeke said: “We devote a million dollars every year to Power to Change activities.”
On the Abuja orphanage, he said: “For a facility like this we want you to focus on providing food and clothes for your kids and to not worry about energy cost. I will say take this as a token and we will continue to support as much as possible.”
He also said the company donated other items for the children and engaged them in snickers’ design to boost their creativity level.
The proprietress of the orphanage, Amb. Ngozi George, lauded the initiative, stating that Azura did all registration checks before picking the place for its CSR this year adding that it would have impact on the 34 children in the facility.
Jesusboy Wealth, aged nine, at the orphanage lauded the initiative, noting that children now have better lighting in the facility to read and be creative as the grid-connected power is epileptic.
In Benin City, Azura team was at the Eghosa Orphanage Home where a 4kw solar power system was also installed as well as the snicker game held for the 58 children there.
The Chief Operating Officer, Nonyerrm Anyanwu Obibauka, at the event, said:
“We have installed a 4kw solar panel for the home. so that they can have light when there is power outage and use their appliances. As you can see, there is no electricity and they have electricity.”
The orphanage’s Proprietor, Eghosa Ikhueabor, commended the company for the donations and the impact of the stable electricity they now have.
Godstime Eghosa, a child, said: “We are very happy because of the solar power. For two days, there has been power outage but we are watching television while the fans, freezers and other appliances are still working.”
By Simon Echewofun Sunday & Usman Bello (Benin)
