Energy is indeed central to the success of agribusiness and poverty alleviation in rural communities. The critical role energy plays in the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation, which are both important in advancing socio-economic attributes and agriculture business in Nigeria, cannot be overstated. Direct community engagement through energy intervention, programmes and activities remains one of the core objectives of the Centre.
In an attempt to solve energy related problems in rural communities, the Centre in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development (DAERD), University of Ibadan has identified Imini Village in Oyo State for its pilot energy intervention project. A stakeholder meeting was held with the community where the objectives of the proposed project were relayed to them. Presently, the collaborators are on the verge of conducting a Needs Assessment for the community. This assessment is also expected to serve as the baseline study for the community.
A meeting was held between DAERD and CPEEL on the 12th of February 2015, to explore strategies to be adopted for the needs assessment and the project in general. In attendance at the meeting were Prof. A.E. Adekoya, Head of Department, DEARD; Prof. Ademola Ladele; Prof. J.O. Ladeji, Dr. O.T. Yekini, Dr. Olatokunbo Oyesola all of DEARD. The Centre was represented at the meeting by Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, Director, CPEEL; Prof. Akin Iwayemi, Principal Investigator, CPEEL; Dr. Olugbenga Falode, Deputy Director, CPEEL; Dr. Adetunji Babatunde; Engr Lateef Akinpelu; Abayomi Daramola; Adeoluwa Adeniyi; Saheed Bello; Temitope Laniran; and Lilian Idiaghe.