…Cuts Energy Costs by 70%
Calabar, Nigeria –The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) has officially commissioned a groundbreaking 245kW solar power project at its World Headquarters in Calabar, setting a new benchmark for faith-based organizations in renewable energy adoption. The project, completed in under a year, is projected to reduce the organization’s energy costs by 70%, slashing its annual diesel expenditure from ₦252 million to just ₦76 million NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
In a ceremony attended by government officials and community members, the Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, delivered remarks through the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Thomas Ogboaka, who praised the initiative as aligning perfectly with the state’s renewable energy vision.
“When this administration came on board, Governor Bassey Otu created the Ministry of Renewable Energy because we recognized that conventional electricity had failed Nigeria,” said Ogboaka. “Today, BCS has not only embraced this vision but has become a torchlight for renewable energy adoption in our state. This project demonstrates that solar power, even at its current efficiency levels, is the way forward.”
Project Director Princess Ibum Olumba Obu highlighted the spiritual significance of the endeavor. “This is more than an energy project—it’s a divine assignment that combines faith with practical solutions for our community,” she stated. “We’re proving that religious organizations can lead in environmental stewardship.”
PCS Chukuyenum Uzoelum, the Project Manager, detailed the comprehensive approach that ensured the project’s success. “Beyond installation, we’ve trained technical staff to maintain these facilities, ensuring longevity for the 25-year guaranteed solar panels and 5-6 year battery systems,” he explained. “This is sustainable development in action.”
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the project’s broader implications, recalling Calabar’s development journey. “In 1994, Ambo Street was known for providing water to the community. Today, it’s pioneering electricity generation through renewable means. This transformation mirrors Cross River State’s progress under Governor Otu’s leadership.”
The solar installation powers key facilities including the Holy Father’s Palace, Ambo Great Hall, and Sparkling FM, while serving as a model for other institutions. Officials highlighted its triple benefits: significant cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and reliable energy access independent of the national grid.
With the successful completion of this project, BCS plans to expand its renewable energy initiatives across other locations, further cementing its role as a leader in faith-based sustainability efforts. The ceremony concluded with prayers for the project’s continued success and its impact on the surrounding community.
