In a groundbreaking move towards disability inclusion in the renewable energy sector, the Council for Renewable Energy Nigeria (CREN) has admitted a disability group as a member of the council. This milestone, announced at the CREN Conference held on Wednesday, February 28, 2025, underscores the council’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The President of CREN, Dr. Sunny Apkoyibo, in his keynote address at the conference, reaffirmed the council’s dedication to inclusion, stressing that renewable energy should be accessible and beneficial to everyone, irrespective of gender, ability, or social status.
“At CREN, we take inclusion seriously. We are committed to ensuring that women and persons with disabilities are not left out in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. They have as much right to participate, innovate, and benefit from the opportunities within this industry as anyone else,” Dr. Apkoyibo stated.
PWDs Celebrate Inclusion, Demand More Representation
The admission of the disability group into CREN was met with excitement and appreciation from the PWD community. Angelina Ugben, who led the PWD delegation to the conference, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a transformative initiative.
“This is a remarkable step forward. Being here today has given me firsthand knowledge of renewable energy and how PWDs can contribute to and benefit from the sector. However, beyond membership, we hope for greater involvement and representation in key decision-making processes,” she said.
Another member of the PWD delegation, Comrade Chris Agbo, echoed similar sentiments while urging the council to go beyond symbolic inclusion.
“Admitting PWDs as members is commendable, but we must go further. There should be a deliberate effort to include PWDs in leadership positions within CREN and ensure that employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector are accessible to them,” he stated.
He went on to praise Dr. Apkoyibo for being a ‘disability champion’, acknowledging his proactive efforts to create an inclusive and equitable energy industry.
PWDs Receive Recognition in a Historic Moment
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of certificates to qualified individuals who had successfully undergone training in various aspects of renewable energy. In a heartwarming and unexpected gesture, Dr. Apkoyibo extended this recognition to PWDs, reinforcing the council’s commitment to equitable access to knowledge and professional growth.
The announcement was met with thunderous applause, with many attendees describing it as a defining moment in the push for inclusion within Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape.
A New Dawn for Disability Inclusion in Renewable Energy
The admission of a disability group into CREN signals a shift in the narrative, proving that the renewable energy sector can and should be a space for everyone. This move aligns with global efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities are actively involved in sectors traditionally considered inaccessible to them.
With Nigeria’s growing focus on clean energy and sustainability, this step by CREN serves as an example for other organizations in the energy sector to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For PWDs, the journey towards full participation in renewable energy is far from over, but this momentous inclusion sets the stage for greater representation, advocacy, and access to opportunities in an industry that is shaping the future.
