Kalu Flags Off Landmark Solar Panel Factory in Igbere, Set to Boost Clean Energy and Local Economy

A significant step toward clean energy advancement was taken on Saturday with the groundbreaking of a solar panel manufacturing plant in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

The project, initiated by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu—former Governor of Abia State and current representative of Abia North Senatorial District—is the first of its kind in Nigeria’s South East and South South regions. The facility, named Igbere Renewable Energy Nigeria Ltd, is set to begin full operations by April 2026.

Once operational, the factory is expected to become a major hub for solar technology production in Nigeria. It will offer high-quality solar products to support the country’s clean energy transition, while also generating employment and stimulating the local economy.

At the foundation-laying ceremony, business mogul Chief Nnanna Ukaegbu praised Senator Kalu’s consistent role in driving investment into Abia State. He lauded the solar initiative as a transformative project with far-reaching benefits for communities such as Igbere, Alayi, Item, Abiriba, and beyond.

Ukaegbu also highlighted Kalu’s wider investment footprint across the state, which includes Sun Heaven Hotel Umuahia, a cashew processing plant in Igbere, a metal conversion facility, a paper plant in Aba, Sun FM radio stations in both Igbere and Aba, and a university currently under construction in Igbere.

“These projects show that Senator Kalu is deeply committed to grassroots development,” Ukaegbu said. “Through public service and private investment, he is reshaping Abia North into a center for innovation and opportunity.”