- Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim, President of APWEN, urged the Nigerian government to increase budget allocations for renewable energy sources.
- Osim emphasised the need for public-private partnerships and innovative policies to enhance energy access and address the country’s ongoing energy crisis.
Engr. Dr Adebisi Osim, President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has called on the federal government to enhance its budgetary allocation for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This initiative aims to alleviate the strain on the national power grid. Osim made this statement on Tuesday, September 24, during the second day of the 2024 International Conference Exhibition and Annual General Meeting of APWEN, held in Calabar.
In her address, Osim emphasised the importance of developing intelligent grids and energy-efficient technologies to reduce carbon emissions. She advocated for policies that promote public-private partnerships, which could help decrease the pressure on the national grid and provide reliable energy access to rural and underserved communities, fostering inclusivity and economic growth.
Speaking on the theme “Engineering Innovations and Energy Security for a Sustainable Future,” Osim urged the government to prioritise solutions for Nigeria’s long-standing energy crisis. “We must invest in sustainable energy solutions and leverage our engineering expertise to create resilient energy infrastructure,” she stated. She further called for advocacy for policies supporting renewable energy initiatives and enhancing energy access nationwide.
Osim expressed confidence in the engineering community’s readiness to contribute knowledge and collaborate with the government to tackle Nigeria’s energy challenges.
Engr chaired the occasion. Margaret Aina-Oguntala was the first female president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, whom Engr represented. Dr. Felicia Agubata, Vice President of Corporate Services. Agubata encouraged participants to share innovative ideas that could lead to a turnaround in the industry and benefit the nation.
Osim called for a united effort by the government, industry leaders, and the engineering community to advance the renewable energy agenda in Nigeria.