Today, Adebola Eunice Oladejo , Solar Sister Entrepreneur from Nigeria, was one of three entrepreneurs who spoke at the Sustainable Energy For All Forum (SEforALL) in Kigali, Rwanda. Our session, along with our partner ENERGIA was titled “In Her Voice: Entrepreneurship in the Last Mile”.
The forum is a global gathering bringing people together, serving as a platform to form new partnerships, spur investment, address challenges and drive action towards a global clean energy transition. Adebola, along with two other entrepreneurs, discussed the rewards and challenges of bringing clean, affordable light and clean cooking to off-grid communities.
Adebola, married with 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys, is a 56-year-old teacher living in Ibadan, Nigeria. Adebola began working with Solar Sister in 2017, and in 2020 she was able to join our Business Booster program. The program involves advanced business training, access to credit, and peer-to-peer support.
Since becoming a Solar Sister Entrepreneur, I am a more confident woman knowing that I am knowledgeable about solar energy and the solar industry.”
As an entrepreneur, Adebola has increased her status and set the stage for clean, renewable energy solutions in her community and nearby villages. She has also become more financially stable since she joined Solar Sister.
With the powerful training I received from Solar Sister I overcame the shyness to talk to my community and tell them about the solar products.”
Like many entrepreneurs, Adebola’s business faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the national lockdown. Between a COVID relief fund and a new Android phone, she learned and applied digital marketing and networking to increase sales. She was able to publicize her solar products through digital marketing. After the lockdown, the publicities continued to boost her product sales.
In my community, I am called ‘Iya Solar’ or ‘Solar Mother.”
Adebola Eunice Oladejo started small and, little by little, increased her capital which is now 20 times the startup capital she invested 6 years ago.
I believe I am making the world a cleaner place with every lamp I sell.”