Kunle Kalejaye 12 December 2015, Sweetcrude, Lagos – Shell Nigeria has built Africa’s first human and solar powered football pitch in Lagos at the Federal College of Education, Akoka.
The new pitch, according to Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC, and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, is the latest initiative from the company’s ‘Make The Future Programme’, which puts bright energy ideas into action to bring benefits to local communities around the world.
Speaking during the launch of the pitch on Thursday in Lagos, Mr. Okunbor said it is the first in Africa and the second in the world.
He explained that the pitch was refurbished by Shell using the more than 90 underground tiles that capture kinetic energy created by the movement of the players.
Okunbor added that the tiles, which are the invention of a young British entrepreneur and founder of Pavegen, Laurence Kemball-Cook – supported through Shell LiveWire – stores kinetic energy combined with the power generated by solar panels to operate the new floodlight.
“This bright energy idea allows the students to play at night and provides a safer and more secure space at the heart of the community,” Okunbor said.
“Shell makes a significant contribution to energy solution for Nigeria, and we are committed to supporting the Nigeria economy and its people. We need bright ideas. Some of these will come from Shell but naturally, others will come from outside our business.
“So it’s crucial that Shell supports energy entrepreneurs, and we hope that this pitch will inspire more entrepreneurs and young people to help us to make a smarter energy future.”
The launch of the pitch was done alongside African Entertainer and solar entrepreneur, Akon who is committed to teach young Africans the importance of harnessing the power of Africa’s renewable energy.