The Emir of Nasarawa HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril and former Minister of State for Environment has called on stakeholders across the energy sector to join forces to promote energy awareness in the country.
The monarch made the call amidst the energy crisis bedeviling the country during a book launch and presentation at the Ministry of Environment Conference Hall, Maitama, Abuja.
The two books are titled, the Energy Essentials: An Introductory Guide to Oil, Gas, and Alternative Energy for Schools and Energy Detectives: Quest for a Greener Future, textbook and storybook, respectively.
The traditional ruler who emphasized the importance of energy education in preparing future generations for an evolving energy landscape, noted that energy awareness was critical to positioning the country to strategically navigate the gamut of energy mix and energy transition.
The occasion also marked the unveiling of the Youth Energy Education Project for Schools (YEEPS), an initiative by Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGEDI) to instill energy awareness and entrepreneurial skills in students.
He called on government agencies, corporate bodies, and stakeholders to collaborate with OLOGEDI in integrating energy education into schools from an early age.
The books were written by Onome Wilkinson, Executive Director of OLOGEDI and a member of Women in Energy Oil and Gas (WEOG),
According to the author the books provide a simplified, engaging approach to energy education.
Wilkinson explained that the books have been approved by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
The books, she said, aim to equip young learners with foundational knowledge of oil, gas, and alternative energy while promoting sustainability and innovation in the sector.
She listed plans to promote the books to include Nationwide sensitization programs and book distribution tours, competitions, boot camps, and mentorship sessions and training for students and educators on sustainable energy practices.
Wilkinson said that OLOGEDI was in strategic partnerships with Women in Energy Oil and Gas (WEOG), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Ministry of Environment, Funtay Oil, and Crevice Energy to advancing energy education in Nigeria.
The event attracted representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and private sector organizations, including:
The authour noted that with the successful launch of the YEEPS initiative, OLOGEDI will commence nationwide sensitization and book distribution efforts to promote energy literacy across schools in Nigeria.
According to her,the project aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and aims to bridge knowledge gaps in energy education through structured learning materials and hands-on training.
Wilkinson urges stakeholders, corporate organizations, and government bodies to collaborate in making thevision a reality.
She stated that this could be achieved through joint efforts to groom a new generation of energy-conscious individuals ready to drive innovation in the energy sector.
Wilkinson said that updates on the energy awareness campaign could be found at www.ologedinitiative.org.ng
“Let’s fuel the future, one book, one story, one school at a time, let’s partner to raise future entrepreneurs and innovators to broaden the industry and develop our limitless potentials in the alternative energy space,” Wilkinson said.