Anthony Okafor, an auto engineering graduate of Nnamdi Azikwe University, continues to make waves in Nigeria’s renewable energy, solar, and auto industries.
As reported by Vanguard, his innovation, a solar-powered tricycle, created in just 21 days, gained international attention back in 2020.
After setting up and running Okafor Motors, an auto-making factory, as well as solar powering systems based in his home state of Enugu, his plans for mass production of the Solar-Powered Keke suffered setbacks as funding was not forthcoming.
Not even from the Nigerian government, who should have capitalized on the opportunity to ease the transportation burden on Nigerians occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
However, recently, Anthony’s call for support received a promising response from Sustainable Communities Corporation (SCC), a non-profit organization based in Ohio, USA.
This partnership aims to mass-produce the solar-powered tricycles, providing a sustainable transportation solution for Nigerians.
Enthusiastic about the collaboration, Anthony revealed plans to establish NrG Company, focusing on producing solar-powered tricycles named Nikeke.
“If you would ask me if I believe in angel investors, my answer is definitely yes. Do I also believe in predestination? Oh yes!
“The reality before me after the prototype development was that my dreams will remain mere dreams. But somehow, I kept the faith against all odds and today my instincts have been proven right.
“Sustainable Communities Corporation located in the United States has proposed a partnership with Okafor Motors, to start mass production of solar-electric powered tricycles under a new entity called Nrg Corporation, with ‘Nrg’ pronounced as ‘energy.’ I feel excited I must confess,” excited Okafor told FRED IWENJORA in a interview.
This initiative will not only enhance Nigeria’s transportation system but also uplifts operators economically.
Jeff Greene, representing SCC, hailed this collaboration as a “Nigerian Success Story.”
SCC, alongside Okafor Motors, plans to establish NrG Company to produce solar-powered vehicles and batteries, with plans for recycling and leasing programs to ensure accessibility for Nigerians.
”SCC with Okafor motors led by Engr Anthony Okafor will be establishing a new for-profit subsidiary in Nigeria called NrG Company (pronounced “energy”) and will partner with Anthony and his team to not only produce the vehicle under the trade name “Nikeke,” but all manner of batteries under the trade name “NiBat” and other energy related products in the future. In the near term NrG Co. will also perform battery and plastic recycling,” a Spokesperson of the US-based company announced.
With WinBat’s expertise in battery technology, this partnership promises to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy sector. Greene expressed excitement about bringing WinBat’s knowledge and funding to accelerate progress in Nigeria.
Despite government neglect, Anthony’s perseverance and international support underscore the potential for impactful innovation in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
