Empowering the Next Generation Through Renewable Energy Training

The intensive training programme—targeted primarily at unemployed young men and women—was designed to equip participants with practical technical and entrepreneurial skills in renewable energy. The beneficiaries are now certified and ready either to gain employment or to establish their own solar energy businesses within their communities.

Speaking on the empowerment initiative, Chief Olorogun Ovo Agbodje emphasized the importance of including women in development programmes. Although the number of female participants was relatively small, he insisted that women must be part of the training.

“The easiest way to create wealth in any community is to empower the mothers or women of that community,”
— Chief Agbodje

It is worth noting that ten young men and women were specifically selected from OKUOMA Village in Eghwu Clan in support of the rehabilitation of the recently burnt-down community. This thoughtful gesture, according to Chief Agbodje, reflects his belief that Urhobo must support its people against all forms of oppression.

During the closing session, Engr. Osaya Emmanuel, one of the instructors at ASTEVEN Energy Institute, commended the remarkable progress of the trainees, describing their transformation from novices into confident, skilled individuals ready to thrive in the renewable energy market.

“Over this period, the students have learned how to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and design solar power systems,” he explained. “Beyond the technical aspects, we also trained them on marketing strategies—because it’s one thing to acquire knowledge and another to know how to market yourself and earn a living from it.”

Engr. Osaya further praised the Agbodje Foundation, founded by Chief Agbodje, for its unwavering commitment to human capital development.

“On behalf of my company, I sincerely appreciate the Agbodje Foundation for having the youths at heart—bringing them off the streets and equipping them with a profitable, hard-to-come-by skill. These young people are now well-grounded in solar technology and ready to compete favorably in the industry,” he added.

Expressing their gratitude, the beneficiaries thanked Olorogun Ovo Agbodje, who holds chieftaincy titles in both Udu and Agbarho Kingdoms, for this life-changing opportunity. They commended his visionary leadership and passion for youth empowerment, noting that the programme has transformed them from job seekers into self-employed professionals capable of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting solar systems.

The trainees also called on other Urhobo sons and daughters to emulate Chief Agbodje’s exemplary efforts toward community empowerment and sustainable development.

It will be recalled that last year, through his foundation, Chief Agbodje donated six chessboards—three each to Ovwian Secondary School and Ovwian Primary School—and established Chess and Book Clubs in both institutions. According to him, chess sharpens critical thinking and inspires academic excellence among students.

List of Beneficiaries (55 in Total)

Sibitor Oghenenyore Prince

Etakibuebu Efe Progress

Akpoyibo Jeremiah

Omoghaghare Simeon

Welemu Favour Oghenerukevwe

Omohwovo Sandra Edirin

Erherhebue Ekama Godwin

Onos GodsPower Igwe

Cousin Ufuoma Saturday

Oniovoghare Ogheneare Prince

Iyara Akpoesiri Paul

Agbodje Ese Annessley

Okorefe Daniel Oghenevwaire

Oghenero Ejiroghene Eric

Joseph Femi Wisdom

Joseph Kingsley

Ogami Hossana

Igwe Marian

Edjekota Aghoghopia Praise

Igwe Maureen Oke

Sibitor Oghenenyore Prince

Ighomena Triumph Oghenephikparobore

Paul Daniel

Ashoro

Onome Omoerere

Onome Delight Okeoghene

Emmanuel Anibor

Okokoh Daniel

Brotoboh Jesuovie Desmond

Oghenekaro Samuel Ogheneruseh

Saturday Hope Akpevweoghene

Akpoguma Oghenechavwuko Matthew

Sunday Igho Cousin

Amugen Uruemresiri

Patrick Josiah

Onofeafe Alex Joshua

Ageh Oghenekome Victor

Michael Omokaro Godwin

Atebese Jesusdeed

Omoko Esegba Matthias Uruemuohwo

Bateren Orien

Iwuagwu Chinedu Herbert

Rapheal Amubogho

Omodjota Treasure Uririnoghene

Emesone Daniel

Ayagha Wisdom

Henri Afoke Omodjota

Erueseke Ikuesiri Lewis

Ikoje Blessing Omovototu

Okaerezina Onowighose

Stanley Adegor

Edafe Emmanuel Otunovwigho

Ogologo Ajiroghene

Edward Otutuama

Adegor Mudiaga Stanley

This initiative by Chief Olorogun Ovo Agbodje once again underscores his passion for education, innovation, and youth development—marking another milestone in his continuous efforts to build a self-reliant and economically empowered Urhobo society.