Japanese solar energy firm proposes energy-based entrepreneurship for Ogun youths

Kenisco Corporation, a Japanese energy firm that specialises in solar energy technology, has disclosed its plan to integrate hundreds of Ogun State youths in its solar energy technology operations.

Youths will be expected to supply raw materials for the alternative energy production. The solar energy panel production assemblage and installation technology proposed is to cover and provide alternative energy source for 70 percent rural dwellers in the staate.

The Japanese energy firm, which is about to sign assemblage and installation agreement with the Ogun State government, plans to source raw-materials to be used for the alternative energy production in the state locally, targeting hundreds of jobless youths in the scheme for raw-materials sourcing, production and installation of solar panel and energy distribution.

This came on the heels of the state government’s plan to create massive technical-based employment for hundreds of the state youths through effective vocational and technical education, as being administered by the State Vocational and Technical Education Board.

Speaking in Abeokuta on the proposed solar energy project, Mobuhiro Kawaguchi, CEO, Kenisco Corporation, revealed that hundreds of indigenes and residents in the state would be integrated and trained, under the solar energy project on how to install the solar panel and generate solar-powered energy.

Kawaguchi explained that the solar energy firm, having partnered the state government on solar-powered energy that would provide alternative energy for about 70 percent rural dwellers across the state would begin massive production and installation of solar energy technology and in return engage many hands, adding that hundreds would be provided jobs in addition to the businesses of sourcing raw-materials locally.

Responding, Bimbo Ashiru, commissioner for commerce and industry, who jointly received a team of solar energy experts from Kenisco Corporation, said the solar energy project would not only provide alternative energy for people at the rural area across the state, but would engage hundreds of jobless youths not only as paid employees but as business operators sourcing and supplying raw materials for the company’s operations, thereby developing the state’s economy.

Ashiru maintained that solar energy as an alternative power supply would enhance socio-economic activities in the rural area and increase residents’ productivity and income, saying the arrangement was a deliberate step of government to bring development closer to the rural dwellers and the state in general.

According to the commissioner, “this would help transform general economic development in the state, address rural-urban drift as the people would be willing to stay back in the rural areas and engage in farming which ultimately would increase agricultural production and enhance food production and industrialisation.”

He, however, appreciated the Japanese firm for its willingness to locate the renewable solar energy firm in the state, just as he promised the preparedness of the ministry of commerce and industry and indeed the state government to create a conducive environment for the firm to operate.

RAZAQ AYINLA