The State House Approved ₦10bn For Solar Energy Installation In Aso To Escape Heavy Electricity Bills

The recent installation of solar panels at Aso Rock, Nigeria's presidential villa, has caused a lot of reactions on the social media. While some critics argue that the move reflects a lack of confidence in the nation's electricity infrastructure, others believe it is a commendable step toward sustainable energy usage.

Political commentator Reno Omokri weighed in on the matter, describing the criticisms as “small-picture thinking” and asserting that the adoption of renewable energy by the presidency should be celebrated rather than condemned.

Omokri pointed to international examples to bolster his argument. “The White House has used solar panels since 1979 under President Jimmy Carter,” he stated. “They were later improved under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. There were also plans for updates under President Donald Trump.”

Similarly, Omokri noted that solar panels are slated for installation at Buckingham Palace as part of King Charles III’s clean energy initiative, and that the Elysée Palace in France is being outfitted with geothermal panels to reduce reliance on the national power grid.

“If these world powers can adopt clean energy at the highest levels of government, it is not an indictment of their national energy providers. It is a forward-thinking move,” Omokri argued.