Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Abia State gathered at the Government House in Umuahia to receive Tudu Solar Energy Systems as part of the first batch of 100 pre-scheduled beneficiaries. The initiative, titled Empowering Abilities: Illuminating MSMEs with Solar Solutions, was spearheaded by the Office of the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, in collaboration with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
This project, implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owned by PWDs across Nigeria by providing sustainable solar power solutions.
Promoting Economic Empowerment Through Clean Energy
Flagging off the distribution, Mrs. Otti emphasized that the program seeks to empower women, youth, and vulnerable groups by equipping them with solar energy resources that can enhance economic and social development. She highlighted the importance of sustainable energy in addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges and called on PWDs to register their businesses for free to access further support.
“We gather here today not just to distribute solar equipment but to create opportunities, break barriers, and reinforce our commitment to an inclusive society where every entrepreneur, regardless of ability or disability, has the tools to thrive,” she said.
She added that the initiative also includes training beneficiaries in solar panel installation, maintenance, and entrepreneurship to help them create income-generating opportunities.
Tudu Solar Systems: A Sustainable Energy Solution
Founder and CEO of Tudu Energy Company, Mr. Tuoyo Dudu, described the initiative as a game-changer for SMEs owned by PWDs, aiming to boost productivity, promote inclusivity, and combat climate change.
The flagship product for this initiative, Tudu Kekere, is a multifunctional portable energy storage system featuring:
- A 100Wh LiFePO4 battery
- A 30W solar panel
- Four LED bulbs
- One self-contained LED flash lamp
- Bluetooth speakers with AUX and radio
- Four USB ports
With a two-year warranty and an eight-year battery lifespan, the system can power essential small electronics such as light bulbs, fans, mobile phones, and POS terminals.
Dudu underscored the environmental benefits, stating that replacing traditional petrol generators with Tudu Kekere would significantly reduce carbon emissions. “For an average SME consuming five liters of petrol daily, switching to solar power could prevent 11.48 kg of CO2 emissions daily—amounting to approximately 4,190 kg per year,” he explained.
Advancing Renewable Energy and Climate Action
The collaboration between Renewed Hope Initiative, the Abia State Government, and Tudu Energy aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy adoption.
Dudu noted, “By integrating a human rights-based approach to climate adaptation, this initiative prioritizes the most vulnerable while promoting renewable energy solutions.”
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
One of the beneficiaries, Kelechi Jacob, a POS agent and recharge card seller, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, saying, “This uninterrupted, reliable power source will help me serve my customers better and increase my income.”
This initiative marks a significant step toward energy inclusion, economic empowerment, and climate sustainability for PWDs in Nigeria.
