Abuja: The NNPC Foundation Ltd. has urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in addressing energy deficit through innovation, creativity and the application of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd., made the call during the ‘Battle of the Energy Titans’ Awards Ceremony and the official unveiling of the ‘Energy on Wheels Project for Schools’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ceremony was organized by the NNPC Foundation in collaboration with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurs Development (OLOGED) initiative, a Nigerian non-profit that promotes energy and environmental education for schools and communities. Speaking on the unveiling, Arukwe described the project as a strategic initiative aimed at taking energy awareness and education to schools and communities across the country. The project is designed to engage stakeholders at all levels and encourage Nigerians to play an active role in addressing the nation’s energy deficit.
Arukwe mentioned that the initiative aligned with NNPC’s goal of making energy available, affordable, and accessible to all Nigerians. The project also aims to promote the protection of energy infrastructure by discouraging vandalism and other activities that undermine the country’s energy future. She emphasized the need for Nigerians to view themselves as partners in the energy sector, rather than working against energy development.
Addressing energy poverty is a pressing global challenge, and Arukwe stressed the importance of young Nigerians positioning themselves at the forefront of the ongoing energy transition. She highlighted that the world is moving at an incredibly fast pace, and the energy transition is here. Nigeria’s youth must be the ones leading the way.
The NNPC Foundation is investing in education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create opportunities for young people. Arukwe stated that the Foundation’s education empowerment programs have trained over 500 Nigerian youths, equipping them with skills for employment and entrepreneurship in both science and creative industries. The Foundation also supports young creatives through the African Film Finance Forum (AFFF), helping them pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
Additionally, the NNPC Ltd., as Africa’s largest energy company, is investing in gas, renewable energy, and cleaner technologies while developing future innovators and leaders. The Foundation has focused its interventions on four critical areas: education, health, environment, and access to energy since its establishment in 2023.
Arukwe received the Energy Champion Award from the OLOGED initiative in recognition of her outstanding leadership in advancing energy sustainability and tackling energy poverty.