In 2023, we dedicated ourselves to serving communities across Nigeria, through working partnerships with MDAs, and private companies. Our efforts combined advisory, investment, research and needs assessments, specifically to address complex social and economic challenges in Nigeria through infrastructure development.
We spearheaded innovative off-grid solar projects, positively impacting over 300,000 individuals across 18 Local governments.
Energy-driven Innovation for Health Centres and Communities.
Amid persistent energy challenges in Nigeria and across Africa, SAO ENERGY made significant strides. We provided a 24-hour electricity supply system for communities that have been without power for decades. Communities such as Omolege (Phase II) and Okiti Ofa —both in Ondo state Nigeria. Through collaborative efforts with partners like Okra Solar and Aurora, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.
Further into the year, we provided a solar energy solution to power The Dialysis Center of University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan. A project funded by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation, to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services through the power of sustainable energy. aims to improve the provision of quality healthcare services through sustainable energy. The project is structured to offer advantages to over 2,500 dialysis patients (annually admitted), 50 healthcare professionals, and the surrounding communities.
In response to identified needs, our energy team launched an equipment financing initiative. This effort aimed to support households and primary health centres by providing essential appliances like fans and televisions — with further plans to equip these facilities with critical devices such as centrifuges, microscopes, and ultrasound machines.
In the year 2023, our efforts in expanding access to sustainable energy continued with the completion of over seven residential installations—a total of 100KVA—across all projects. Transitioning to the latter part of the year, our mission extended its reach to the most remote regions of Nigeria. We successfully brought electricity to 17 Primary Health Centers in Ondo state (out of a total of 18 LGAs). This achievement was realized through the installation of a 5KVA inverter system, smart billing meters, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at each PHC. This highlights our steadfast dedication to narrowing the energy gap and uplifting communities by providing sustainable and dependable power sources where it is needed the most.
Innovation, Growth, and Media Recognition
In the media spotlight, our Group CEO, Ayo Sotinrin, achieved notable recognition, clinching the prestigious ‘Excellence in Corporate Advisory Leadership Award‘ at The Solar Week Nigeria Leadership Awards 2023.
Projections
SAO Energy would be deploying tailored solar solutions to eight local government areas of Ondo state. This initiative will be executed in partnership with USAID- Power Africa under the auspices of the Health, Energy and Telecommunication Alliance (HETA) for the electrification of 59 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) and 177 households (HHs). This program is projected to benefit 400 households, and 385,000 lives with women constituting the majority and supporting 200 small businesses.
SAO Energy plans to expand its mesh-grid project portfolio through the continuation of its green-era electrification projects in rural communities. We would be focusing on locations where we already have operational solar systems.
SAO Energy would be engaging in several government-allocated projects and empowering small-scale farmers with solar-supported farming tools (equipment)
Innovation, Growth, and Media Recognition
In demonstrating our commitment to our team, we navigated the challenges posed by Nigeria’s economic downturn by implementing a substantial 30% increase in compensation for each staff member. Embracing flexibility, we transitioned to a more remote workstyle, fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams across various states in Nigeria and globally.
As the curtains draw on 2023, our achievements echo our steadfast dedication to fostering social impact, uplifting communities, and charting a path toward a future that is both sustainable and inclusive.