By Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, Communications, Nigeria
At 65, Ngwaka Mabel never imagined she would become a thriving energy entrepreneur. Like other pensioners, she is a retired teacher who once depended on an irregular pension, uncertain when the next payment would come. But everything changed when, in 2021, a Solar Sister representative visited her community and introduced her to the business of clean energy.
Mabel decided to invest the little savings she had, 30,000 Naira or about $20, to start selling solar products. Two years later, she no longer worries about her pension.
Mabel believes every woman should have a source of income; for her, independence is the key to a long and fulfilling life.”
Whether the government pays or not, I make my sales and keep moving,” she proudly says.
Her business strategy is simple but effective: She takes her products everywhere, to the market, church, and community meetings. Customers even visit her home to buy. Her best-selling items, solar pico lights, A2 lamps, and stoves, are durable, affordable, and safe.
She sees growth opportunities and works hard to meet customers’ needs.
With the profits from her business, she easily supports her family and no longer feels the weight of an unpaid pension.
“I don’t remember I’m a retiree anymore,” she says.
Her dream is simple: to see her children, Chinwoke (33), Ifeanyi (30), Chibuzor (28), and Obinna (25), excel in everything they do.
Mabel’s ingenuity and work with Solar Sister have given her financial stability and a renewed sense of confidence. Her proudest achievement is becoming independent and proving that age is no barrier to success.
For Mabel, Solar Sister has also given her a purpose by selling solar lights to reduce reliance on candles and kerosene, making homes in her community safer and the air cleaner.