Yahaya Bello Joins Vice President Shettima for Commissioning of Africa’s First Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi
Former Governor of Kogi State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, on Tuesday joined Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara (BARECKS), Africa’s first institution dedicated to practical renewable energy skills training.
The historic event, held at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, was also attended by the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, alongside top government officials, traditional rulers, development partners and other distinguished Nigerians.
The commissioning of the landmark institution marks another significant milestone in the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of clean energy transition, technological innovation, youth empowerment, human capital development and sustainable economic growth.
Designed to provide practical renewable energy skills to both literate and non-literate Nigerians, especially young people and women, the college is expected to produce thousands of highly skilled technicians annually in solar installation, maintenance, mini-grid development and other emerging clean energy technologies, while contributing meaningfully to rural electrification and national energy security.
The project, developed by the Energy Commission of Nigeria, also comprises a state-of-the-art Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant, an integrated solar farm providing 24-hour off-grid electricity, and other supporting infrastructure, positioning Kogi State as a leading hub for renewable energy research, innovation and industrial advancement in Africa.
Yahaya Bello described the project as a bold testament to the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building a prosperous, self-reliant and globally competitive Nigeria through strategic investments in innovation, science and technology. He noted that the establishment of the institution in Kogi State further underscores the Federal Government’s confidence in the state’s strategic importance as a destination for transformational projects capable of accelerating national development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda, while applauding Vice President Kashim Shettima for conveying the President’s unwavering commitment to initiatives that create opportunities for Nigerians, stimulate economic growth and prepare the nation’s youth for the future.
The former governor also congratulated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Energy Commission of Nigeria under the leadership of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, and all stakeholders whose dedication culminated in the successful delivery of the landmark project.
He expressed confidence that the commissioning of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College and the accompanying renewable energy complex would not only transform Kogi State into a national centre of excellence for clean energy innovation but also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading player in Africa’s renewable energy revolution, in line with the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Michael Ohiare
Director Yahaya Bello Media Office.
4th August 2026