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Chidumaga Unachukwu: Pioneering Clean Energy Solutions in Africa

Published

11 months ago

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By: Victor Ojelabi

Africa’s energy insufficiency problem, among other things, is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually due to several factors like poor operations of hospitals and emergency services. This economic and development scourge is Africa’s number one barrier to development and meaningful growth.

Access to energy is a critical driver of inclusive growth and an opportunity creator for all. The history of the development and emergence of First-world nations has proven a direct relationship with the total energy capacity of a nation and the living standard of its people. Therefore, efforts at creating access to energy in Africa, particularly renewable, are always hope-giving, and worthy of support and recognition. It as such was not out of place when EXERGIE’s CEO, Chidumaga Unachukwu, was honoured last weekend at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024, for his contributions to efforts to address this continental problem through innovative solutions in the renewable energy area.

Mr Unachukwu who has in the past received various such laurels and recognition, is leading ENERGIE to reinvent the usual offerings of renewable energy companies by focusing on solutions that are impactful. He is a recipient of Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) prize from The Kingdom of Netherlands and the prestigious “Brunel Alumni Award for Excellence” for his relentless commitment to advancing climate consciousness and spearheading modular, scalable solutions for key sectors of the economy.

Chidumaga earned a master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from Brunel University London, which qualified for shortlisting into the prestigious Study UK Alumni Awards, where he won the Business and Innovation category. His journey towards sustainable energy solutions was shaped by his experiences at the university. He fondly recalls the invaluable support provided by Brunel’s 24-hour library access, which proved instrumental in his research endeavours, particularly during his project on “An In-depth Comparative Analysis Between the Clean Energy Sector in Nigeria and the United Kingdom” was an enabler for his current efforts and impact.

In the last two years, Chidumaga’s ENERGIE have installed over 2000+ kilowatts of capacity, resulting in an annual production of about 2.4 million kilowatts of energy. However, for Chidumaga, this is merely the beginning of his mission to drive sustainable energy solutions across Africa.

Chidumaga attributes his success largely to his smart decision and the opportunity of getting a world-class education, which created the global view he has of local problems and unlocked a world of opportunities behind the shores of Nigeria. He speaks of the immersive Brunel campus life, and how encountering students from every corner of the globe helped to appreciate a brilliant spectrum of perspectives.

Chidumaga Unachukwu’s story is not an isolated case. It’s, in fact, part of a larger narrative – a phenomenon known as “reverse brain gain.” The recognition by Study UK Alumni Awards, to him, is a testament to the transformative impact of his UK higher education. Other like-wise impactful business and social enterprise leaders who are alumni of UK institutions where honoured for their impacts and contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The awards ceremony, now in its tenth year, showcases not just individual accomplishments but the collective influence of UK education on professionals worldwide. It becomes a symbol of the enduring connection between quality education and national development.

Exploring the success stories of Nigerian professionals with a UK education sheds light on the undeniable value of quality higher learning. In today’s rapidly changing world, education isn’t just a guide; it’s a game-changer for personal growth, societal advancements, and economic prosperity.
The UK’s higher education system stands out globally, not just for securing great jobs but for unlocking higher earning potentials. It’s a powerhouse in innovation and research, attracting students globally with its groundbreaking advancements in science, technology, and the arts.

Internationally, the UK is a hotspot for tertiary education, drawing students not just for academics but also for the rich cultural diversity and global exposure it offers.

The UK’s tertiary education system is designed to break down barriers and foster inclusivity. Graduates don’t just climb the career ladder; they contribute to global social and economic progress, haven been trained to imbibe the mindset of shared value and greater societal good. The cultural advantage of a British education is significant, serving as a melting pot for diverse perspectives, and preparing graduates for a connected world where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.

The surge in Nigerian students enrolling in the UK in 2021/2022, reaching 44,195, speaks volumes about the perceived return on investment. Nigerians believe a British education equips them with skills, knowledge, and global perspectives crucial for navigating today’s world. It’s not just about personal and professional growth; it’s an investment in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

The ‘home coming’ of these UK alumni is the “reverse brain drain” phenomenon that is fast bringing in capacity for the various challenged sectors of the nation: bringing back expertise and experiences, contributing to nation’s growth. The Study UK Alumni Awards spotlights and celebrates these success stories, acknowledging the transformative impact of their UK higher education. Chidumaga and his work with ENERGIE is one of such newsworthy recognitions.

In the bigger picture of making the country, or continent better, the value of human resources cannot be overstated. Human potential is boundless, and investing in education and empowerment is crucial. Honouring UK alumni who return to Nigeria, establishing businesses, leading industries, and contributing to national development is an important highlighting of the need to focus on quality capacity building towards sustainable nation-building.

Just like Chidumaga and the class of 2024 award winners like Cassandra Akinde, a graduate of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Social Action category), Faith Agboola, founder of The African Writers and the convener of African Writers Meet and graduate of De Montfort University (Culture & Creativity), Jennifer Uchendu, founder of The Eco-Anxiety Africa project (TEAP) and graduate of University of Sussex (Science & Sustainability), emerged from hundreds of Nigerians who are alumni of UK institutions and applied for this year’s edition.

The recognition of these exceptional individuals in the Study UK Alumni Awards is more than just applause; it’s a celebration of the invaluable contributions they make to Africa’s development and economic emancipation.
In a world where quality knows no borders, investing in a top-notch education becomes an act of wisdom for a growing nation like Nigeria. The Study UK Alumni Awards stand as a noble tribute to those who have embraced this wisdom, showcasing how their educational journey has become a beacon of hope for the continent’s progress.

Chidumaga’s led company incorporated Artificial Intelligence for regenerative solutions cued on a mission to improve living standards and drive business growth. The disruptive approach is chartering a new course of action for future-proof renewable solutions and what the energy landscape in Nigeria and Africa holds with the likes of ENERGIE in the space can not only be admired but followed.

Africa’s energy insufficiency problem, among other things, is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually due to several factors like poor operations of hospitals and emergency services. This economic and development scourge is Africa’s number one barrier to development and meaningful growth.

Access to energy is a critical driver of inclusive growth and an opportunity creator for all. The history of the development and emergence of First-world nations has proven a direct relationship with the total energy capacity of a nation and the living standard of its people. Therefore, efforts at creating access to energy in Africa, particularly renewable, are always hope-giving, and worthy of support and recognition. It as such was not out of place when EXERGIE’s CEO, Chidumaga Unachukwu, was honoured last weekend at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2024, for his contributions to efforts to address this continental problem through innovative solutions in the renewable energy area.

Mr Unachukwu who has in the past received various such laurels and recognition, is leading ENERGIE to reinvent the usual offerings of renewable energy companies by focusing on solutions that are impactful. He is a recipient of Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) prize from The Kingdom of Netherlands and the prestigious “Brunel Alumni Award for Excellence” for his relentless commitment to advancing climate consciousness and spearheading modular, scalable solutions for key sectors of the economy.

Chidumaga earned a master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from Brunel University London, which qualified for shortlisting into the prestigious Study UK Alumni Awards, where he won the Business and Innovation category. His journey towards sustainable energy solutions was shaped by his experiences at the university. He fondly recalls the invaluable support provided by Brunel’s 24-hour library access, which proved instrumental in his research endeavours, particularly during his project on “An In-depth Comparative Analysis Between the Clean Energy Sector in Nigeria and the United Kingdom” was an enabler for his current efforts and impact.

In the last two years, Chidumaga’s ENERGIE have installed over 2000+ kilowatts of capacity, resulting in an annual production of about 2.4 million kilowatts of energy. However, for Chidumaga, this is merely the beginning of his mission to drive sustainable energy solutions across Africa.

Chidumaga attributes his success largely to his smart decision and the opportunity of getting a world-class education, which created the global view he has of local problems and unlocked a world of opportunities behind the shores of Nigeria. He speaks of the immersive Brunel campus life, and how encountering students from every corner of the globe helped to appreciate a brilliant spectrum of perspectives.

Chidumaga Unachukwu’s story is not an isolated case. It’s, in fact, part of a larger narrative – a phenomenon known as “reverse brain gain.” The recognition by Study UK Alumni Awards, to him, is a testament to the transformative impact of his UK higher education. Other likewise impactful business and social enterprise leaders who are alumni of UK institutions were honoured for their impacts and contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The awards ceremony, now in its tenth year, showcases not just individual accomplishments but the collective influence of UK education on professionals worldwide. It becomes a symbol of the enduring connection between quality education and national development.

Exploring the success stories of Nigerian professionals with a UK education sheds light on the undeniable value of quality higher learning. In today’s rapidly changing world, education isn’t just a guide; it’s a game-changer for personal growth, societal advancements, and economic prosperity.
The UK’s higher education system stands out globally, not just for securing great jobs but for unlocking higher earning potentials. It’s a powerhouse in innovation and research, attracting students globally with its groundbreaking advancements in science, technology, and the arts.

Internationally, the UK is a hotspot for tertiary education, drawing students not just for academics but also for the rich cultural diversity and global exposure it offers.

The UK’s tertiary education system is designed to break down barriers and foster inclusivity. Graduates don’t just climb the career ladder; they contribute to global social and economic progress, having been trained to imbibe the mindset of shared value and greater societal good. The cultural advantage of a British education is significant, serving as a melting pot for diverse perspectives, and preparing graduates for a connected world where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.

The surge in Nigerian students enrolling in the UK in 2021/2022, reaching 44,195, speaks volumes about the perceived return on investment. Nigerians believe a British education equips them with skills, knowledge, and global perspectives crucial for navigating today’s world. It’s not just about personal and professional growth; it’s an investment in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

The ‘homecoming’ of these UK alumni is the “reverse brain drain” phenomenon that is fast bringing in capacity for the various challenged sectors of the nation: bringing back expertise and experiences, contributing to the nation’s growth. The Study UK Alumni Awards spotlight and celebrate these success stories, acknowledging the transformative impact of their UK higher education. Chidumaga and his work with ENERGIE is one of such noteworthy recognitions.

In the bigger picture of making the country, or continent better, the value of human resources cannot be overstated. Human potential is boundless, and investing in education and empowerment is crucial. Honouring UK alumni who return to Nigeria, establishing businesses, leading industries, and contributing to national development is an important highlighting of the need to focus on quality capacity building towards sustainable nation-building.

Just like Chidumaga and the class of 2024 award winners like Cassandra Akinde, a graduate of London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Social Action category), Faith Agboola, founder of The African Writers and the convener of African Writers Meet and a graduate of De Montfort University (Culture & Creativity), Jennifer Uchendu, founder of The Eco-Anxiety Africa project (TEAP) and a graduate of the University of Sussex (Science & Sustainability), emerged from hundreds of Nigerians who are alumni of UK institutions and applied for this year’s edition.

The recognition of these exceptional individuals in the Study UK Alumni Awards is more than just applause; it’s a celebration of the invaluable contributions they make to Africa’s development and economic emancipation.
In a world where quality knows no borders, investing in a top-notch education becomes an act of wisdom for a growing nation like Nigeria. The Study UK Alumni Awards stand as a noble tribute to those who have embraced this wisdom, showcasing how their educational journey has become a beacon of hope for the continent’s progress.

Chidumaga’s led company incorporated Artificial Intelligence for regenerative solutions cued on a mission to improve living standards and drive business growth. The disruptive approach is chartering a new course of action for future-proof renewable solutions and what the energy landscape in Nigeria and Africa holds with the likes of ENERGIE in the space can not only be admired but followed.

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Alleged 76bn, $31.5m Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Ex AMCON MD, Ahmed Kuru, Four Others in Lagos

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5 hours ago

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January 20, 2025

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, 20 January, 2025 arraigned a former Managing Director of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria AMCON, Ahmed Kuru and four others for allegedly defrauding Arik Airline N76 billion and $31.5 million, respectively.

 

Other defendants are former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Ltd, Kamilu Omokide, Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, and Super Bravo Ltd and Union Bank PLC.

 

The defendants were arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a six-count charge bordering on theft, abuse of office and stealing by dishonestly taking the property of another.

 

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the six-count charges when they were read to them.

 

Count one reads: “That you, Union Bank Nigeria Plc, sometime in 2011 or thereabouts, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with the intention of causing and/or inducing unwarranted sale of Arik Air loans and bank guarantees with Union Bank, made false statements to the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), regarding Arik Air Limited’s performing loans, following which you transferred a bogus figure of N71,000,000,000.00 (Seventy-One Billion Naira) to AMCON.”

 

Count two reads: “That you, Ahmed Lawal Kuru, Kamilu Alaba Omokide as Receiver Manager of Arik Air Limited, and Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air Limited in Receivership, sometime in 2022 or thereabout, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, fraudulently converted to the use of NG Eagle Limited the total sum of N4,900,000,000.00 (Four Billion Nine Hundred Million Naira only), property of Arik Air Limited”.

 

Count five reads: “That you, Kamilu Alaba Omokide, Ahmed Lawal Kuru and Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, on the 12th day of February, 2022 or thereabout, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being public officers, directed to be done in abuse of the authority of your office and with intention of obtaining undue advantage for yourself and cronies an arbitrary act, to wit: intentionally authorizing the tear down and destruction of 5N-JEA with Serial No. 15058 valued at $31.5million (Thirty One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars), an arbitrary act, which act is prejudicial to the economic stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Arik Air Limited”.

 

The counsel to the first and third defendants, Prof Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, informed the court of a motion for bail application dated November 28, 2024 and November 29, 2024 for the two defendants.

 

Osipitan prayed the court that the defendants be granted bail on liberal terms.  According to him, the first defendant had no criminal records and that the EFCC granted him administration bail  which he didn’t jump.  “We pray the court grants bail to the two defendants on the same liberal terms given to them by EFCC,” he said.

 

EFCC Counsel, Wahab Shittu SAN, filed counter-affidavits dated December 2, 2024 against the first defendant and also another counter affidavits dated December 22, 2024 against the third defendant.  Shittu prayed the court to dismiss their bail applications.

 

According to him, the two defendants are facing serious offences of economic sabotage. However, he agreed with the second and third defence counsel that they are presumed innocent pending the determination of the court. Shittu , however, added that the temptation of the defendants leaving the country was very high. He thereafter prayed that accelerated hearing be granted and the defendants’ international passports be seized by the court.

 

“But if my lord decides to be magnanimous to grant them bail, we shall be praying for stringent conditions because we are particular about their attendance in court. “We urge that they should submit their international passports with the court in order to ensure that they come for trial,” he said.

 

The counsel to the second defendant, Olasupo Shasore, SAN in his motion for bail dated December 6, 2024 and filed on the same day, urged the court to also grant bail to his client on self recognition.

 

The prosecuting counsel in his counter affidavits dated January 17, 2025, opposed the bail application of the second defendant.

 

He said the application for bail was incompetent and should be struck out. Shittu cited relevance laws to buttress his argument. “My lord, the record of this court is to the effect that the second defendant, at one point, absconded in which your lordship had to issue a bench warrant. “The learned silk for the second defendant is not the defendant on trial and it is very unhealthy for a counsel to stand as a surety for a defendant.

 

“I urge my lord, in exercising his discretion, to take all this into consideration because our concern is the appearance of the second defendant in court so that he does not abscond.”

 

After listening to the arguments from all the parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N20 million Naira each with two sureties in like sum.   The sureties must be gainfully employed and deposed to means of identification.

 

She also directed that the defendants must submit their international passports with the registrar of the court.

 

Justice Dada adjourned the matter till March 17, 18, and 19, 2025 for commencement of trial.

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Absence Of Oba Otudeko, Bisi Onasanya, Others Stalls Arraignment Over N12.3Billion Fraud As Otudeko’s Lawyer Protests In Court

Published

9 hours ago

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January 20, 2025

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The counsel for Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, who is facing charges of a N12.3 billion fraud, appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to protest the charge.

Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN) informed the court that he was protesting because the charge had not been served on Otudeko or the two other individuals charged alongside him, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Olanipekun informed the court that, despite not being served with the charge, the defendants were shocked to learn about the planned arraignment through the media when the story broke last Thursday.

The 13-count charge was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oba Otudeko, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc. Olabisi Onasanya, and former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo.

Olanipekun is the counsel for the three defendants.

They were charged alongside the company, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

 

The EFCC alleges that the defendants obtained the sum under false pretenses.

 

According to the EFCC, the four committed the fraud in tranches of N5.2billion, N6.2billion, N6.150billion, N1.5billion and N500million, between 2013 and 2014 in Lagos.

 

The 13-count charge, filed by EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, on January 16, 2025, further claimed that the defendants used forged documents to deceive the bank.

Specifically, count 1 accused the defendants of conspiring “to obtain the sum of N12.3Billion from First Bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for by V-TECH DYNAMIC LINKS LIMITED and Stallion Nigeria Limited, which representation you know to be false.”

 

In Count 2, it was alleged that the defendants, on or about 26th day of November, 2013 in Lagos, “obtained the sum of N5.2 billion from First Bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for by V TECH DYNAMIC LINKS LIMITED which representation you know to be false.”

 

The 3rd count alleged that the defendants, between 2013 and 2014 in Lagos, obtained N6.2billion from First Bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for and disbursed to Stallion Nigeria Limited, which representation you know to be false.”

 

In the 4th count, they were accused of conspiring to spend the N6.15billion, out of the monies.

According to the Commission, the offences contravened Section 8(a) of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and was punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

Counts 5 reads: “That you, Chief Oba Otudeko, Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Soji Akintayo and Anchorage Leisure Limited on or about 11th day of December, 2013 in Lagos, procured Honeywell Flour Mills Plc to retain the sum of N1.5 billion, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of your unlawful activities to wit: Obtaining by False Pretense and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(c), 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

Meanwhile, Otudeko had reportedly fled Nigeria ahead of his scheduled arraignment on fraud charges.

 

According to TheCable Newspaper, Otudeko’s exit from the country is linked to the mounting legal pressures and financial disputes he is facing.

The newspaper reported that the businessman left the country via one of the land borders.

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Loan controversy: Bisi Onasanya’s lawyer condemns media trial….Judge adjourns case to February 13

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9 hours ago

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January 20, 2025

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In line with his resolve to defend himself and clear his name, Dr. Bisi Onasanya through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, at a session at the Federal High Court Lagos on Monday, January 20, 2025, demanded the service of proof of evidence and summons.

Onasanya, a chartered accountant and a former Group Managing Director of First Bank is defending himself against a controversial loan that allegedly occurred at First Bank 12 years ago. The retired banker is refuting the allegations alongside three others namely former Chairman of the bank, Chief Oba Otudeko, a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo, and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

At a hearing at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, Fusika condemned the media trial his client had been subjected to, saying he was not formally invited by the EFCC or served a notice of the charge.

He expressed surprise at seeing news stories in major newspapers linking Dr Onasanya to a trial on loan controversy during his time as First Bank Group Managing Director without prior notification.

“My Lord, it is concerning that my client has been unduly exposed to media trial without being formally served. This is a procedural anomaly that undermines his right to a fair hearing and personal dignity,” Olumide-Fusika said.

The prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, denied any involvement by the EFCC in the media coverage of the case.

He stated that the commission had not issued a press statement and suggested that journalists may have obtained information through other means.

“My Lord, we disassociate ourselves from any media reports,” Oyedepo said.

The EFCC also applied for an ex parte motion to issue a bench warrant for the defenders’ arrest and sought permission to serve them through substituted means, alleging they had evaded service.

Olumide-Fusika opposed the motion, arguing that his client had always been available and had not evaded service. Demonstrating his determination to clear his name, the senior lawyer prayed to the court to have the EFCC serve the charge and the proof of evidence in the open court.

“This application is unwarranted and speculative. My client has neither avoided service nor absented himself from this matter. The claims of the prosecution are baseless. Since I am here and my client is ready to go ahead with this case, I ask to be served the charge and the proof of evidence here in the court,” Olumide-Fusika argued.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the case, dismissed the EFCC’s motion for substituted service on Onasanya since he has accepted to be served in the open court.

The judge consequently ordered that the EFCC serve Olumide-Fusika the charge and proof of evidence in open court.

The EFCC complied with the directive, and Olumide-Fusika who confirmed the receipt of the document extracted a confirmation from the prosecution counsel that the proof of evidence submitted is exhaustive and there wouldn’t be an addendum. The defence counsel said EFCC’s confirmation should be on record, insisting that his client was ready to defend himself and clear his name.

Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 13, 2025.

It will be recalled that Onasanya, through his Communication Advisor, Mr Michael Osunnuyi, had earlier dismissed allegations, describing the claims as baseless and an attempt to tarnish Onasanya’s stellar reputation for professionalism, integrity and humaneness.

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