Dr Ainojie Irune, President & CEO Oando Clean Energy and Commissioner for Special Duties, Cross River, Mr. Oden Ewa.
In a strategic move at the 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, Oando Clean Energy (OCEL) took center stage at the Nigeria pavilion. During a side event on December 6, 2023, OCEL showcased its clean energy solutions, aligning with the COP28 theme of immediate climate action. The company, a subsidiary of Oando Energy Resources, demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Nigerian government’s net-zero ambition by 2060.
Among the distinguished guests were Honourable Minister of the Niger Delta, Engr Abubakar Momoh; Honourable Minister of the Environment, Abbas Lawal Balarabe; Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Kunle Salako; Director General of the National Climate Change Commission (NCCC), Dr. Salisu Dahiru, and Cross River State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oden Ewa.
During the event, OCEL highlighted its achievements, presenting a range of projects spanning Sustainable Transport, Waste to Value, Wind, Geothermal, and Solar. The pinnacle of the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cross River State Government. This historic agreement outlines plans for the deployment of electric vehicles for mass transportation, the establishment of an electric vehicle assembly plant, job creation for locals, and the construction of a 100MW wind plant for power generation.
Mr. Oden Ewa, representing the Governor of Cross River State, praised the agreement, stating, “This landmark agreement marks a significant step forward in Cross Rivers’ journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
Dr. Ainojie Irune, OCEL President/CEO, expressed the company’s commitment to a seamless transition to sustainable energy. He emphasized Oando Clean Energy’s nationwide scope, aiming to create a cleaner and more viable energy ecosystem for Nigeria.
The audience applauded as details emerged about the successful 90-day Proof of Concept (PoC) phase for electric mass transit buses in Lagos State. Partnering with Lagos state and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the PoC covered over 43,800 kilometers, transported over 73,000 passengers, saved 21,000 liters of diesel, and reduced CO2 emissions by 57.8 tons. This success propels the partnership into a pilot phase, signaling a pivotal role for Oando Clean Energy in shaping Nigeria’s energy transition narrative. An attendee remarked, “It is evident that forward-thinking and innovative companies like Oando Clean Energy Limited will shape the Nigeria Energy transition story in the immediate future.”
