Solar energy: ICEED trains women technicians in Borno State

The International Center for Energy, Environment and Development under the Borno MAIDA project has concluded the training of the first 24 solar technicians out of the targeted 140 for the state.

The training, which combined intensive classroom and practical activities, was conducted at the Borno State Vocational Training Centre, Maiduguri, to provide technicians to tackle issues on solar energy  systems provided as an alternative energy solution in the state.

A statement by the Programme officer, Advocacy and Communication of ICEED, Unico Iregbu Uduka, said five young women were among the solar technicians that graduated.

According to the statement, access to electricity is vital to improved livelihood; however, in Nigeria this is often highly constrained, and more exacerbated in conflict-affected areas.

“A research conducted by ICEED in 2018 on the level of satisfaction with the public power supply in six LGAs of Borno State showed that 62 per cent of respondents were not satisfied with the level of public power supply to homes,” the statement said.

Solar energy as an alternative energy solution, as well as solar technicians, are almost nonexistent in conflict affected communities of thestate. Solar energy business has been, and continues to be, a male-dominated field, leaving women out of the livelihood track.

To address these gaps, ICEED in partnership with Mercy Corps and funding from the European Commission is implementing a project aimedat strengthening resilience and to improve the livelihood of people in six of the LGAs affected by the insurgency in thestate.

It said 140 young men and women would be trained on solar installation and business in six LGAs of thestate.

“Some health and educational facilities, as well as households in these locations will be equipped with solar energy kits to reduce protection risks for women and children, and reduce gaps in services resulting from energy deficiencies.”

“In providing the installations, the trained solar technicians will be actively involved, thus enhancing their skills and visibility,” the statement said.

The principal of the centre, Mr. Shettima said it was an opportunity for the trained technicians to excel in a trade that has few actors, especially in Borno State.

“To the young women, I am glad that you have defied the odds and came out of your shell to acquire this training. I implore you to take this as a trade and run with it as there are visible opportunities to earn a living as solar technicians,” he said.

In his remark, the Executive Director of ICEED, Ewah Eleri, expressed happiness that women in Borno are beginning to get involved in an area that has been seen as the exclusive preserve of men.

“Solar energy offers a win-win situation for anybody that wants to get in as an entrepreneur. I am sure in a short while, you will start reaping the benefits of this training,” he said.