Anayo Ezugwu 
The 8th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2023) Conference and Exhibition will focus on maximising energy transition for economic growth, up-skilling energy professionals, and boosting clean energy investments and impact in the power sector.
The Chairman of the Forum, Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, in a statement issued on Monday said the NEF 2023 Conference and Exhibition will be held onsite in Lagos on July 18 and virtually on November 23, 2023.
Adeuyi said the theme of the conference is entitled: “Maximizing Energy Transition for Economic Growth.” The chairman confirmed that over 400 global stakeholders, 50 key speakers, top trainers and exhibitors are expected to participate in the 2023 NEF.
He said, “These stakeholders will address energy challenges, foster cross-sector growth and outline practical solutions for energy users, producers, and investors across all levels, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications.”
The Co-Chairman of the Forum, Mr Adekunle Makinde, said the event would be held physically in Lagos, at Zone Conference Centre, Gbagada, Lagos, while November 23 session would be held as a virtual conference.
Makinde said the United States Consulate General in Lagos, Will Stevens would deliver a keynote presentation on July 18 opening plenary Session. He also confirmed that other keynote speakers include: Kola Adesina Group Managing Director, Sahara Group; Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary/Representative of Nigeria Ministry of Power.
He said others are Chiedu Ugbo, MD/CEO Niger Delta Power Holding Company, and Inga Stefanowicz, Team Leader, Green and Digital Economy, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS. He said the event would also feature over 7 Supersessions on: Energy Transition for Growth Plenary supported by Sahara Group.
“Upscaling Utility-Connected Solar and Decentralized Power supported by Jinko will focus on how the new electricity act can boost state government-enabled and private-sector driven power infrastructure. Women Energy Champions Supersession, supported by MOJEC and Jubaili Bros Engineering Limited, will highlight the success stories of women leaders as role models in the energy transition.
“Mobilizing Renewable Energy Investments Panel” supported by GET.invest will highlight donor financing windows for small and medium enterprises, foster transition to cleaner energy technologies and boost developer-led climate-smart solutions,” he said.
Makinde said GET.invest is a European programme which aims to mobilise investment in renewable energy, supported by the European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Austria.
The NEF2023 Strategy and Innovation Lead, Dr Bamise Olanrewaju, said over 20 key speakers and panelists have confirmed participation at the NEF2023 conference.
“They include Olumide Fatoki, Head of Unit, (On-& Off-Grid), Sustainable Energy Access Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), GIZ; Chantelle Abdul, Group Managing Director (GMD) Mojec International; Esther Jerome, Nigeria Sales Representative.
“We have Jinko Solar; Yasser Farhat, Lead Engineer, Jubaili Bros Engineering; and Mobolaji Fadeyibi, Business Development Manager, West & Central Africa, Sun King.
“Others are Adetayo Bamiduro, Cofounder Max; Funmi Ogbue, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zigma and President WIEN; Ibiene Okeleke, Managing Director (MD) Energy Training Centre; and Dolapo Kukoyi, Managing Partner, Detail Solicitors,” he said.
Olanrewaju said the other speakers include Ayo Ademilua, CEO of A4&T and President, REAN; Anita Otubu, Senior Director, SEforALL; Eriye Onagoruwa, Group Head, External Affairs & Government Relations, Waltersmith;
Others are Lande Abudu, Component Lead, Nigeria Electrification Project, REA; Kingsley Okenyi, Project Director, Eauxwell; Eluma Obibuaku, Senior Vice President and Head of Power, Africa Finance Corporation and Prince Mustapha Audu, CEO, EMVC.
