The recent installation of solar panels at Aso Rock, Nigeria’s presidential villa, has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some critics argue that the move reflects a lack of confidence in the nation’s electricity infrastructure, others believe it is a commendable step toward sustainable energy usage.
Political commentator Reno Omokri weighed in on the matter, describing the criticisms as “small-picture thinking” and asserting that the adoption of renewable energy by the presidency should be celebrated rather than condemned.
Omokri pointed to international examples to bolster his argument. “The White House has used solar panels since 1979 under President Jimmy Carter,” he stated. “They were later improved under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. There were also plans for updates under President Donald Trump.”
Similarly, Omokri noted that solar panels are slated for installation at Buckingham Palace as part of King Charles III’s clean energy initiative, and that the Elysée Palace in France is being outfitted with geothermal panels to reduce reliance on the national power grid.
“If these world powers can adopt clean energy at the highest levels of government, it is not an indictment of their national energy providers. It is a forward-thinking move,” Omokri argued.
He emphasized that the use of solar panels at Aso Rock is not about personal comfort, but about responsible governance. “Aso Rock is not the private residence of any president—it is a public asset funded by taxpayer money,” he said. “Using solar energy is both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.”
Advocates for the move suggest that wider adoption of solar energy could ease pressure on Nigeria’s overstretched National Grid, allowing more consistent electricity supply to rural areas and industrial centers.
Omokri urged Nigerians to avoid politicizing the issue and instead recognize the broader benefits of transitioning to renewable energy. “Rather than bash the government, we should applaud a decision that sets an example and saves public funds,” he concluded. Read Full
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