Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the Enugu State Solar Health Projects and Steering Committee with a call for innovation and collaboration to foster a healthier and more sustainable future. The event, held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu on Monday underscored the vital connection between clean energy access and community health outcomes.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing healthcare and energy challenges through the Nigeria Solar for Health Project. He emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted energy supply to primary healthcare facilities across the state, aligning with the government’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
Governor Mbah stated that deploying solar energy solutions in healthcare facilities would eliminate interruptions in critical services caused by power outages, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, and bolster sustainability efforts. He praised the project’s partners—the European Union (EU), GIZ, UNIDO, and the Climate Fund Manager for their technical expertise and financial support. This collaboration, he noted, demonstrates Enugu State's position as a reliable partner in advancing global development goals.
The Governor further reiterated the state’s readiness to implement its Off-Grid Energy Strategy, ensuring clean energy solutions are accessible across all sectors. He also stressed the importance of equipping healthcare facilities with advanced tools and skilled personnel to guarantee quality healthcare services, even in remote areas.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Associate Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, described the solar health project as a transformative approach to off-grid power solutions for healthcare facilities. The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani Osheku, highlighted the critical role of stable power in immunization programs and maintaining controlled environments for vaccines. She commended the Governor for constructing 260 primary healthcare centers across the state’s political wards to reduce high mortality rates and improve resilience in the healthcare system.
Miss Inga SteffaNowicz, leader of the EU team, expressed satisfaction with Enugu State’s proactive engagement in the project. She outlined the benefits of providing clean, reliable electricity while addressing climate change issues, adding that the initiative would promote green energy adoption among communities.
EU Project Manager Godfrey Ogbemolu provided insights into the EU’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria, revealing that over €200 million had been committed to the power sector since 2008. He also detailed ongoing investments in new energy access programs, with significant funding allocated to solar and off-grid energy solutions.
GIZ representative Duke Benjamin elaborated on the Nigeria Energy Support Program, while Tiayan Ogiehoer, Stakeholders Engagement Manager, outlined the financial framework and operational logistics of the project. He disclosed that the EU would provide €2,080,000, while Enugu State would contribute ₦1 billion. Consumers are expected to pay for the electricity under a 60%:40% payment model, ensuring sustainability and accountability.
The Steering Committee for the project includes the Commissioner for Health, Associate Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, as Chairman, alongside Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani Osheku and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Yomi Jaye, as members.
Governor Mbah described the Nigeria Solar for Health Project as a beacon of hope and progress, urging all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their dedication to the initiative. He called for exploring synergies to extend solar energy benefits to other sectors such as education and agriculture, thereby fostering an inclusive and sustainable development model.
