On April 26th, 2024 Manamuz Electric LTD unveiled and commissioned its latest clean energy-agriculture nexus infrastructure, a Refrigerated Aggregation Center (RAC) in Aguobu Iwollo, Enugu State. This was done through the Nigeria Offgrid Energy Challenge blended finance award by the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and All On Partnerships for Energy Access. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Enugu State Polytechnic (ESPOLY), Aguobu-Iwollo campus, showcased the collaborative efforts of diverse stakeholders and sectors of the economy.
The facility comprises two fully solar-powered cold units, two greenhouse farms, office spaces, a water gallery, and overhead tanks for irrigation systems to the various farm settlements. The entire facility is powered by a 34kW solar plant which is projected to also supply its excess generation to the community to support agricultural endeavors.
The commissioning marks a significant milestone in the Aguobu Iwollo Community of Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria; and indeed for postharvest loss prevention in Nigeria. Smallholder farmers who produce 80% of global food yet face numerous challenges such as access to energy, smart agro mechanizations, and cold-chain infrastructure networks from the first mile, will greatly benefit from this facility.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialization, Hon. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, along with local and international partners, cross-sectorial stakeholders, and members of the press.
The members of the community were very excited about the facility. They were in full attendance at the commissioning. They danced vibrantly and displayed their culture and talent before the ribbon cutting.
During the event, several keynote speeches highlighted the importance and impact of the RAC facility:
- The US Consul General, Will Stevens, emphasized Nigeria's significant annual loss of $9 billion due to post-harvest waste, underlining the critical need for adequate cold storage, agro-processing, and transportation infrastructure.
- The Rector of ESPOLY, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ambrose Nwankwo, emphasized the school’s partnership with the facility, recognizing its role in enhancing educational initiatives.
- The Vice Chancellor of GO University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, applauded the innovation and expressed satisfaction with the government's commitment to supporting initiatives at the Energy-Agriculture-Education Nexus.
- The Senior Personal Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Mike Ogbuekwe, highlighted strategic strides made with Ezeagu Pepper smallholder farmers, outlining plans for leveraging the RAC facility to efficiently distribute harvests to fresh food off-takers.
- Other speakers from Husk Power Systems, All On Partnerships for Energy Access, Mandela Washington Association of Nigeria, Rocky Mountain Institute, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, by Aguobu Iwollo Town Union (the host community), Ezedike (Ezeagu Farmers) Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Enugu State Ministry for Human Capital Development and Poverty Eradication, Ecozen Solution India, and managing directors of various agro-related businesses expressed their support and commitment to the project.
Their speeches emphasized the collaborative spirit, innovation, and dedication driving the success of the RAC project. The commissioning ceremony not only celebrated the completion of a remarkable project but also heralded a new era of Special Agro Processing Zones (SAPZ) for perishable food as stated by the Enugu State Governor’s representative during his speech. This facility will serve over 1500 horticulture farmers in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State annually, significantly contributing to food security and economic empowerment in the region.
In his speech, the CEO of Manamuz Electric, Engr. Uzochukwu Mbamalu, highlighted the nexus between renewable energy, agriculture, and education, reiterating the company's commitment to scaling up the project to benefit more communities in Enugu State through collaboration and partnerships.
The event concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by the State Governor, and a brief tour of RAC facility infrastructure, symbolizing the official commissioning of the project amid applause and a sense of pride.
Additionally, the event was attended by; Representatives from the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture ; The director of PRS, Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters, Edwin Onyishi; The President General, Aguobu Iwollo Autonomous Community Town Union, Hon. Festus Ndubuisi; The Director of Enugu State Neighborhood Watch Group (NHWG), Uchenna Mgbachi; Ezeagu Local Government Area Security Authorities, represented by the DPO Iwollo Police Division, Amaefule Uchenna, and the CSO Neighborhood Watch Group (NHWG), Okeke Fabian Chigbata; The Igwe Elect of Aguobu Iwollo Autonomous Community, Barr. Christopher Aniemezie Aliozo; Aguobu Iwollo Community NHWG Security Parastatals ; ESPOLY Staffs ; farmers in the Community, and farmers' co-operative representatives from neighboring communities and the Manamuz Electric team.
The President of Ezedike (Ezeagu farmers) Multipurpose Cooperatives Society, Engr. Charles Aliozo, in his vote of thanks speech, expressed gratitude to God almighty, to all attendees, partners, and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and support, especially acknowledging the pivotal role of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in creating an enabling ecosystem for "ndi Enugu," for both local and international business players to join him in driving Enugu State towards a socio-economic and environmentally sustainable future.
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With the successful commissioning of the Refrigerated Aggregation Center (RAC), Manamuz Electric LTD reaffirms its dedication to developing sustainable infrastructure for agriculture, leveraging modern technology at the Energy-Agriculture nexus, and addressing food insecurity within Nigeria's food system.
