In this interview we dive deep with Sayedero, a Lagos native whose passion for energy access led her to Odyssey, and several renewable energy projects beyond.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Nigeria. I studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering, where I developed a keen interest in renewable energy – learning about renewable energy was by far the highlight of my education. Currently, I live in Lagos, and I work as a Program Delivery Manager at Odyssey where I oversee electrification programs worth over $900 million and that bring renewable energy to millions of people each year.
What do you like most about Lagos?
Even though I'm an introvert and a bit of a homebody, I find the energy in Lagos incredibly inspiring. It's a vibrant city that is a melting pot of so many cultures, which I absolutely love.
Tell us about your career path to date.
I started my career in the renewable energy sector over a decade ago. My first role was at a small enterprise specializing in the installation of inverters and solar street lighting. I then worked as a Solar Sales Engineer, followed by a Business Development Engineer role at Rensource Energy, focusing on commercial and industrial projects. After that, I joined RP Global Energy, an Austrian renewable energy developer where I continued to work on significant solar projects.
What inspired you to choose to work in the solar industry?
I've always been passionate about renewable energy, ever since I took a course on it in university—to be honest, it was the only course that truly interested me. I also remember my first experience visiting villages for a mini-grid feasibility study right after school. Until then, I'd rarely visited other states outside Lagos, except for vacations abroad. Seeing villages with little to no grid infrastructure was shocking. Some places hadn't received power from the grid since before I was born. This made me realize how sheltered I had been and it left an impact on me. I wanted to help as much as I could to bring energy to people who don't have access.
What motivated you to join Odyssey?
I was motivated to join Odyssey because of its impactful work in scaling investment in distributed renewable energy. Odyssey’s commitment to enhancing energy access and combating climate change aligns perfectly with my personal values.
What have been some of the highlight projects you’ve worked on while here?
One of the standout projects I’ve worked on has been the Solar Home System program. My client, REA, was able to aid in the connection of over 5 million homes to renewable and clean power. I take great joy in knowing that my contributions have had a significant impact on expanding access to clean energy in Nigeria.
I know you are especially passionate about e-mobility - what draws you to it?
E-mobility will bring so many benefits to Nigerians. For one, it increases the economic case for mini-grids, as it would boost the need for solar energy in rural communities. But also, it would help communities move around at a much lower cost. Diesel is so expensive, has quadrupled in price in just the past year, and is increasingly scarce – people sleep at gas stations overnight hoping to get fuel. I imagine a world where mobility is powered with clean energy produced by the sun.
What is one fun fact about you?
One fun fact about me is that I created a solar school bag that I donate to kids in rural areas. These bags are equipped with solar panels, allowing children to study at night by providing them with a reliable source of light. I love that it combines my passion for renewable energy with my commitment to improving educational opportunities for children in rural communities.
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What is your vision for the future of energy access/transition in Nigeria? What inspires you?
My vision for the future of energy access in Nigeria is to achieve widespread, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions that can power communities and drive economic growth. What inspires me is the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people by providing them with access to clean and affordable energy. I am particularly motivated by the positive changes and opportunities that renewable energy can bring to underprivileged areas.
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