Corporate Citizenship
Sahara Foundation Launches Sahara Regenerator Technical Program (STRP) To Combat Climate Change, Boost Employment
Sahara Foundation, the corporate citizenship vehicle of energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, has launched its inaugural Sahara Regenerator Technical Program (STRP) to promote capacity building among youths in Edo, Lagos and Rivers in Nigeria.
STRP will give beneficiaries a platform to develop technical skills in the installation and maintenance of meter and solar systems to enhance energy access, combat climate change and promote economic development in Nigeria.
With unemployment rate standing at 33.3% as of Q4 2020 and anticipated to hit 35% this year, experts say Nigeria needs to provide ample entrepreneurial opportunities for its teeming youth population.
Targeted at 120 youths with informal/minimal education, the project is also expected to help empower beneficiaries with resources to build sustainable businesses and ultimately become employers of labour.
Sahara Foundation will partner with leading African academy, the Energy Training Centre (ETC) and the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) to implement STRP.
According to Pearl Uzokwe, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, “the regenerator program comes at a crucial time where a gap exists in the technical skills needed to implement efforts aimed at providing clean energy through solar and bridging Nigeria’s significant metering gap. We are delighted at the opportunity to mould the next group of entrepreneurs in the power sector in line with Sahara Group’s vision to promote green energy and environmental sustainability.”
In 2020, Sahara Foundation revised its focus areas to two key pillars for all interventions going forward: Access to Energy and Promoting Sustainable Environments in alignment with our Group’s core vision.
Participants will develop competencies in the installation of single and three phase meters in residential and small commercial premises. The Solar PV Installation Technician program will train individuals to provide excellent service for residential and small commercial solar installations.
According to ETC’s Managing Director, Ibiene Okeleke, “ETC is excited to partner with Sahara Foundation in building capacity in their communities through these two programmes. The project will drive inclusive growth, poverty reduction through job creation and support the global energy transition mandate to provide cleaner forms of energy and aggressively reduce carbon emissions. We are proud to be associated with Sahara Foundation on this mission.”
Lande Abudu, REAN’s Executive Secretary stated that “having long recognised the importance of capacity building towards achieving universal access to energy, it is fitting that we combine efforts to enhance skills development in Nigeria. At REAN, we recognise the importance of collaborations and partnerships to reach shared goals. We are excited to work with Sahara Foundation and look forward to the positive outcomes that will certainly result from the programme.”
Applications for STRP will be open from June 11, 2021, to June 25, 2021 and can be submitted online or picked up and submitted at Sahara Group’s offices in the designated states. Interested participants can also visit www.ujanahub.com/strp and Sahara Foundation’s social media handle @iamsaharafdn for more information.
LG Electronics, a leading innovator in consumer electronics and sustainable solutions, has generously donated a solar-powered borehole to Agba-Akin community in Ibadan. This groundbreaking initiative is set to address a critical need for a reliable source of clean water while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life for the community.
The Agba-Akin community, situated in the heart of Ibadan, has long faced challenges in accessing clean and safe drinking water. Recognizing the urgent need to alleviate this issue, LG Electronics has taken the initiative to provide a sustainable solution that harnesses the power of solar energy.
A Commitment to Community Welfare
The donation of the solar-powered borehole is part of LG’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, focusing on sustainable development and community empowerment. By harnessing solar energy, this project not only provides clean water but also promotes the use of renewable energy, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing LG Electronics Nigeria, said, “At LG, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Access to clean water is a basic human right, and we are proud to support the Ibadan community with this solar-powered borehole. This project reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions that improve lives and foster development.”
Three years ago, we opened a free laundry centre in Ibadan to cater for the washing needs of the people. The free laundry center is equipped with state-of-the-art, hygienic facilities, and is operated free of charge to end-users. This initiative demonstrates LG’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth in Nigeria, aligning with their philosophy of understanding customers and offering optimal solutions to improve their lives.
Also prominently at the commissioning was the honourable Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, Dr. Wale Olatubosun as the special guest of honor. Dr. Olatunbosun expressed his elation and commended LG Electronics for their dedication to community development in Nigeria. He urged the community members to take proper care of the project and emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions for long-term benefits
Dr. Olatubosun stated, “I commend LG Electronics for their dedication to community development in Nigeria, and I am particularly delighted that they have chosen to bring this project to Ibadan, Oyo State. We hope this gesture inspires more sustainable initiatives, reaching communities in dire need of clean water and benefiting both the environment and its people.
Improving Lives with Clean Water
The solar-powered borehole will provide the Ibadan community with a consistent and safe water supply, crucial for health, hygiene, and daily living. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the burden on residents, particularly women and children, who often travel long distances to fetch water.
Community Leader, Alhaji Remi Olaibi Ojuolape, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the residents, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to LG Electronics for this generous donation. The solar-powered borehole will make a huge difference in our daily lives, providing us with easy access to clean water. This project is a blessing, and we thank LG for their support and commitment to our community.”
A Brighter Future for Ibadan
The installation of the solar-powered borehole is a significant step toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for the Agba-Akin community, Ibadan. By ensuring access to clean water, the project will improve public health, reduce waterborne diseases, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
As LG Electronics continues to expand its impact through community-focused projects especially the Solar-powered borehole, the company remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, enhance living conditions, and empower communities.
Attendees at the event includes; Mr. Inkyu Kim, CFO, LG Electronics; Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics; Dr. Wale Olatubosun,Honourable Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism; Dr Aina Olugbemiga Ayoola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jad Atwi, Ibadan Branch Manager, Fouani Nigeria. Limited, Alhaji. Remi Olaibi Ojuolape, Chairman, Landlord Association, Alhaji Raimi Ojolowo, Imam Central Mosque, Pastor Sunday Ekeite all of Agba-Akin community, among others.
In a continued effort to improve the lives of Nigerians, LG Electronics has commissioned a solar-powered treated borehole and installed streetlights in the Oriba community of the Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State. This initiative underscores LG’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the region. By delivering sustainable energy solutions and facilitating access to clean water, LG Electronics is playing a pivotal role in uplifting the community and fostering a healthier and more prosperous environment for its inhabitants.
Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of LG Electronics Nigeria, represented by the Marketing Manager, Mr. Paul Mba, disclosed that the notion behind the project is to give back to communities where access to portable drinking water is a barrier.
“At LG, we believe in empowering communities through sustainable development. Our donation of solar-powered boreholes and streetlights to the Oriba Community is a testament to our commitment to improving people’s lives. We are confident that these contributions will provide immediate benefits and foster long-term growth and development in Oriba.”
While giving an insight into the project profile, Mba disclosed that the decision to sink boreholes with treatment plants and install streetlights in the community was premised on needs assessment and extensive consultation with stakeholders in the community. He further stated that the project includes five water points, powered by six 210-watt solar panels, and ten 800-watt solar-powered street lights installed at different locations to illuminate the community.
In his response, one of the Oriba Community Leaders, Aare Adesegun Hassan expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the residents: “We are immensely grateful to LG Electronics for this generous donation. The street lights will improve safety and security, and the borehole will ensure access to clean water for our people. These contributions will have a lasting impact on our community, and we thank LG for their support and commitment to our welfare.”
Installing streetlights has removed darkness from the community, making the community safer for all residents. Additionally, the borehole will provide a reliable source of clean water, addressing a critical need for the Oriba Community.
“Today is a day of joy and celebration for all of us in Oriba,” said Chief S.B. Olukolu, Patron of the Oriba Youth Movement at the commissioning of the project. These initiatives are not just about infrastructure; they symbolize progress, development, and a brighter future for our community.
Water is the essence of life. With this new borehole, our community will have access to clean and safe drinking water. This will not only improve our residents’ health and well-being, but it will also ease the burden of sourcing water from distant places, especially for our women and children. The availability of clean water will have a positive impact on our daily lives, enhancing hygiene, sanitation, and overall quality of life, he said.
The Oriba Vibrant youth celebrated with songs and dance as the life-changing borehole and street lights were officially commissioned for use.
Corporate Citizenship
LG Electronics Hosts Successful Summer Treat, Empowering Parents and Kids with Valuable Skills
LG Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics, demonstrated its commitment to the Insider Community by hosting a successful online webinar titled “Summer Treats: Prepping Kids for Summer Holiday,” which was well-attended and focused on providing valuable insights and tips for parents to prepare their children as they observe summer break.
The webinar achieved its aim of empowering Nigerian parents by showcasing creative activities that they can engage their children in, with an emphasis on introducing them to the opportunities and benefits that are available to them early in tech, AI, and coding spaces during the summer holiday period.
Prominent women leaders in society and technology, which includes esteemed speakers such as Dr. Anire Okogun, Vice President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa Nigeria Chapter (CBW-Africa); Amarachi Onyemaobi, President of GirlsInTech Nigeria; Damilola Emuze, Head of Operations at The Bulb Africa; and Hajia Bolanle Muse, President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa Nigeria Chapter (CBW-Africa), shared interesting insights during the webinar.
Some of the takeaways from the Webinar include.”
- The need to get children introduced to technology, AI, Coding, etc., at an early age because the future will revolve around technology.
- Getting children to embrace technology gives them a strong foundation in problem-solving.
- Enables the children to imbibe the doctrine of critical thinking.
- We are in the era of AI taking over jobs and it is only those with tech skills will get jobs in the future.
- Every profession now requires some technology; hence, children should be encouraged to embrace it early.
Questions were entertained by the speakers, who gave satisfactory answers that further put spice to the Webinar. 10 attendees also won prizes during the Webinar, as they got some questions asked on the points raised by the speakers correctly.
“We were thrilled to see the overwhelming response to our Insider Community webinar,” said the Managing Director, LG Electronics Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji. “By equipping parents with the right tools and knowledge, we aim to empower them to become more involved in their children’s education and create meaningful and memorable learning experiences over the summer break.”
The Insider Community initiative by LG Electronics strives to create a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among women, professionals, and experts. Through webinars, forums, and online resources, the community fosters an environment where Nigerians can gain valuable insights and support each other in navigating challenges across the board.
As part of this initiative, LG Electronics is offering free coding classes for kids, empowering them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Additionally, LG is providing parents with valuable insights and tools to help them better support their Children’s educational journey.
The conversation was professionally moderated by Oluyemisi Dada, broadcast media executive and anchor from the CBN on TVC News.
By providing these valuable resources, LG Electronics aims to make a positive impact on the lives of families and contribute to the development of the next generation of innovators and leaders. Furthermore, LG’s revolutionary smart home solutions can improve summer learning and offer a fun-filled time at home for the youngsters. More unique events are in the pipeline to improve the lives of the LG Insider Community.
