Nigerian Environmental Trailblazer, Ridwan Wins Prince's Trust Group Sustainability Award in London

13 June 2024
Vanguard (Lagos)

Nigerian environmental trailblazer, Abdulrazaq Ridwan has won the Global Sustainability Award at the star-studded Prince's Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Awards in London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane recently.

The Prince's Trust Group Sustainability Award was sponsored by Octopus Energy.

Ridwan met His Majesty King Charles III during a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the winners' achievements.

After taking part in The Prince's Trust International Get Into Renewable Energy programme and finding his first job in the sector, Ridwan is now a key figure at market leading Starsight Energy, working on energy auditing and solar system design.

Through his groundbreaking work designing and delivering solar energy systems, especially in off-grid rural areas, Ridwan is helping to gradually change the energy landscape in Nigeria.

In his dual role as designer and auditor, Ridwan is helping to drive economic growth and lower carbon emissions as well as enhancing the lives of countless Nigerians especially in low-income rural areas.

Speaking on his award win, Ridwan said, "I would like to express my joy and excitement at receiving this award. Three years ago, venturing into the renewable energy field was a dream for me.

"It is something to have a dream but another thing entirely to have accomplished it. The Get Into programme, The Prince's Trust and Starsight Energy have helped me make this a reality," added.

When presenting his award, Christina Hess from Octopus Energy stated, "As a young company leading the global energy revolution, the Octopus Energy Group is proud and inspired to stand alongside the young people on stage tonight who, like us, are using tech to disrupt the energy systems of old to unleash local, clean and affordable power.

"I'm delighted to present this Global Sustainability award to Ridwan; as one of the biggest energy companies in the world we can't wait to learn from and support his local innovations in off grid solar design."

Prince's Trust Alumni Idris Elba surprised Ridwan with a video congratulating him for his award win and for the inspiration he is providing to all young Africans.

The Prince's Trust Group Sustainability Award, sponsored by Octopus Energy, recognises the outstanding achievements of participants on Prince's Trust programmes around the world.

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III, the former Prince of Wales, The Prince's Trust International, supports young people across 20 countries through employment, education and enterprise programmes.

The Prince's Trust Awards celebrate young people who have participated in Prince's Trust programmes around the world. Guests at the ceremony included Edward Enninful OBE, Amal Clooney, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, DJ Cuppy and Maro Itoje among many others.

Read the original article on Vanguard.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2024 Vanguard. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.