The coordinator of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Rivers State has urged policymakers and multinational corporations to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, stressing that communities can also play a role in driving the transition.
Speaking during a campaign themed “Rise Up, Draw the Line” on Friday, which forms part of a global day of action held every September, Smith Nwokocha, the coordinator of Quest for Growth and Development Foundation at Community Secondary School Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt explained that fossil fuels continue to power equipment used by multinationals, resulting in environmental hazards.
He emphasised that renewable alternatives, such as solar energy, are affordable, clean and sustainable if communities collaborate to adopt them.
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“We are drawing the line that policymakers and multinationals should move away from fossil fuel to renewable energy,” the coordinator said. “Solar is affordable once communities come together. It is clean, sustainable and can be owned by the people.”
He highlighted the importance of engaging young people, noting that they can influence households and eventually drive policy change.
“We want the voice to start from the younger ones. The policy makers have been there for so long. They have heard so much of all these and they do less of it but when we come to community school where you have younger people they will know that is actually what is on ground and can take action.”
“They will begin to gain their space and educate their parents who are members of policy makers. They are in government and multinationals. When the children get home to speak with their parents. They will see reasons why they need to get solar and renewable energy will be sustained,” he added.
New Daily Prime reports that the campaign seeks to mobilise grassroots participation while pressing for stronger commitments from decision-makers towards sustainable energy solutions.
