The Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, has reiterated the need for deliberate investments in rural electrification and renewable energy as critical measures for addressing energy poverty and accelerating national development.
Akintunde made this known through his book, Dimensions of Energy Poverty and Rural Electrification in Nigeria, a research-based publication that examines the causes, dimensions, and implications of energy poverty across Nigeria, particularly in underserved rural communities. According to the lawmaker and energy economist, energy poverty extends beyond the lack of electricity to include limited access to clean cooking energy, inadequate infrastructure, and the inability of households and businesses to meet basic energy needs.
The book highlights the transformative role of rural electrification in stimulating economic growth, reducing poverty, improving healthcare delivery, enhancing educational outcomes, and raising the overall standard of living in rural communities. Drawing from years of empirical research, Akintunde emphasized the importance of practical and sustainable interventions to bridge the country’s energy access gap.
Among the recommendations contained in the publication are the adoption of renewable energy technologies such as solar mini-grids, the expansion of off-grid energy solutions, increased funding for rural electrification programmes, support for energy innovators, and the development of policies that encourage greater investment in rural energy infrastructure. He maintained that tackling energy poverty remains essential to achieving sustainable development, improving living standards, and unlocking the economic potential of rural Nigeria.
The book was formally presented on March 7, 2022, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, by former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, alongside the late Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III. In a move aimed at promoting knowledge sharing and policy engagement, the publication was made available free of charge to researchers, students, policymakers, development practitioners, and members of the public.
In a further demonstration of the book’s national relevance, Senator Akintunde recently presented a copy to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The presentation provided an opportunity for the Senator to share the book’s findings and policy recommendations at a time when the Federal Government is pursuing reforms aimed at improving energy access and strengthening Nigeria’s power sector.
Akintunde expressed optimism that the ideas and recommendations contained in the publication would contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to achieve universal energy access, promote sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
