Shell's Sola Abulu speaks on creating sustainable energy in Africa

Shell Nigeria recently celebrated one year of Africa's first kinetic pitch, a groundbreaking project created by one of its innovators as part of the global Make the Future campaign. The initiative aims to engage energy-focused millennials in discussions about sustainable energy solutions and the impact they can have on African communities. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Sola Abulu, Communications Manager at Snepco, shed light on the success of the campaign and the importance of creating innovative energy solutions. The Make the Future campaign goes beyond traditional advertising and promotion, focusing on social investments like the kinetic solar-powered pitch at the Federal Technical College in Acoka. The pitch features 96 kinetic tiles made using PIVGen technology, developed by a Shell Live Wire beneficiary from Shell UK. The success of the project has been evident, with global music artist Acon shooting a music video on the pitch, which went on to win the advertising agency's prize for the best corporate video of 2015. As part of this year's Make the Future campaign, Shell enlisted Yemiya La Dé as an ambassador, showcasing various bright energy ideas through a video titled 'The Best Day of My Life.' The video has garnered 90 million views, raising awareness about sustainable energy solutions and encouraging dialogue within the community. The involvement of ambassadors like Yemiya La Dé highlights the campaign's emphasis on engaging a younger audience and inspiring them to participate in energy innovation. Abulu emphasized that Nigeria requires a diverse range of energy solutions, from on-grid to off-grid options, with a focus on small-scale, micro off-grid solutions that can benefit local communities. The Make the Future campaign is about encouraging individuals to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions that can make a real impact. By showcasing small, scalable projects, Shell hopes to inspire others to take action and contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions. As Abulu stated, the campaign is a platform for individuals to share their ideas and collaborate with Shell on projects that can drive positive change in the energy sector. Through initiatives like Live Wire, Shell is providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life and contribute to a more sustainable future. The Make the Future campaign serves as a reminder that everyone has the power to make a difference in the energy landscape, and by working together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.