The Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola, has fully powered his palace with solar energy and plans to extend this power to his community.
Nigeria’s national grid, which serves nearly 200 million people, has faced frequent collapses including 12 times in 2024, causing widespread blackouts and challenges for homes and health services. Many Nigerians are turning to renewable energy as a reliable alternative.
The Olowu’s palace operates on a 120kVA solar system, with the first phase of 50kVA already powering the palace. The system is designed to produce excess power that will eventually supply street lights, health centres, and boreholes in the community. Dr. Akintoye Akindele, an Owu indigene, explains that while the palace uses about 25-40kVA, the remaining energy charges batteries to keep key infrastructure running and support community development.
In an innovative move, the Olowu is also introducing a 3D-printed cowry shell token system to support a school meal program. Each token is personalised and linked to a cloud-based system to ensure funds given for school feeding reach the intended children. The tokens also aim to evolve into local currency for approved vendors, encouraging local commerce while preserving cultural heritage.
“This project is about reducing our carbon footprint, healing the earth, and empowering our people,” said the Olowu.
He hopes this model will inspire other traditional leaders and communities to adopt similar technologies for sustainable development.
