Clean energy stakeholders advocate switch to biofuels

Stakeholders in Oyo State have advocated for biofuels as a means of reducing dependency on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security in the country.

One of the stakeholders, Jatropha Farmers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, acknowledged the need for biofuels to gain attention due to the country’s vast agricultural resources and the demand for sustainable energy solutions.

The President of the Jatropha value-chain project, Jatropha Farmers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, Chief Julius Ogunyemi, stated this on Thursday during the signing ceremony of a production agreement between the association and Mibers Humanitarian Foundation at Oremeji, Ibadan.

He hinted that Nigeria could contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality.

He said that all sectors, including government agencies, private investors, farmers, environmental organisations, and research institutions, need to embrace biofuels to reduce poverty among the rural populace, particularly farmers.

Ogunyemi disclosed that the biofuel industry has the potential to create jobs in agriculture, processing, and distribution, adding that biofuel crops could help diversify agricultural production and improve farmers’ incomes.

“Signing the production contract agreement with Mibers Humanitarian Foundation is a good development and a victory for this association. Emissions are a global challenge, and people all over the world are now clamouring for a reduction in emissions from greenhouse energy sources, the need to cut carbon emissions, and the gradual phasing out of fossil-based fuels globally and in Nigeria in particular. There is a need to find an energy source that can serve this purpose seamlessly, and biodiesel has emerged as the answer.

“Biodiesel is 100 per cent vegetable oil-based and can be extracted from oil seeds such as groundnuts, soybeans, Moringa Oleifera, Castor Bean, and Jatropha Curcas.

“However, Jatropha Curcas is the most ideal crop—efficient and economical—as a source of biodiesel. It is a totally renewable, sustainable, and organic solution for global energy, water, and environmental needs.

“As a humanitarian development foundation, we identify and develop impactful programmes, solve supply chain issues, create compelling marketing initiatives, provide exposure, media support, and partnerships for expanded awareness.”

He also emphasised the need for campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of biofuels.

Additionally, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mibers Humanitarian Foundation, Mr Christopher Omoh, called for collaboration among stakeholders, supported by government policies and investment, adding that these elements are essential for harnessing these opportunities effectively.

“Embracing biodiesel can provide Nigeria with a pathway to enhanced energy security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and agricultural growth.

“Many countries are moving towards renewable energy sources by investing in biodiesel, and I believe Nigeria can also align itself with global trends and attract foreign investment in sustainable energy projects.”

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