Founder of the COLE’ctive Initiative, Tonye Cole, has appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise investment in clean energy as a pathway to job creation, improved public health and reduced environmental degradation.

Cole made the appeal in a statement commemorating this year’s International Day of Clean Energy, themed “Clean Energy for People and Planet.”

He also unveiled COLE2Power, a clean energy access and transition platform aimed at positioning renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable power solutions as key pillars for human wellbeing, economic growth and environmental protection in Rivers State.

According to him, COLE2Power redefines clean energy beyond a technical concept, describing it as vital civic infrastructure that supports healthcare delivery, business productivity, education, public safety and climate resilience. The initiative integrates renewable energy deployment, community involvement, innovation and inclusive financing into a people-focused energy transition model.

Cole disclosed that the programme is designed to expand access to reliable and clean energy for more than 230,000 households, clinics, schools and small businesses, including the provision of clean or hybrid power solutions for 230 public and community institutions across 23 local government areas.

He further explained that COLE2Power is expected to generate economic opportunities for 23,000 MSMEs and creative enterprises, activate 2,300 clean energy service providers, and support over 10,000 green and energy-related jobs across renewable energy value chains.

The initiative will also deploy energy-efficient solutions across 319 wards, helping to reduce energy costs, cut emissions and lessen dependence on diesel and inefficient power sources.

Cole added that the programme promotes community ownership and accountability through 230 clean energy stewardship zones, engaging over 230,000 citizens and reaching an estimated 2.3 million people through education, advocacy and media outreach.

“Clean energy is not just about technology; it is about dignity, opportunity and security,” Cole said.

He noted that COLE2Power links energy access to better health outcomes by ensuring reliable power for healthcare facilities, cold storage, water systems and clean cooking solutions. It also drives wealth creation by enabling productive energy use for small and creative businesses, while strengthening community security through public lighting, emergency response and climate resilience.

A representative of the COLE’ctive Initiative emphasised that energy access cuts across all development goals, stressing that a successful energy transition must be inclusive and locally driven.