See the Nigerian man who built solar-powered tricycle (Keke) in 21 days, now Americans want him
This is the fascinating story of Anthony Okafor, a Nnamdi Azikiwe University alumnus who graduated with a degree in auto engineering and is today very successful in the solar, renewable energy, and auto industries.
In addition to founding and managing Okafor Motors, an auto manufacturing facility with solar powering systems situated in Enugu, Okafor made headlines in 2020 when he showed off his solar-powered tricycle, which was constructed in just 21 days.
As he talked about the issue and how he came up with this idea, he also asked for funding in order to put the products into mass production.
The visibly excited prodigious engineer couldn’t contain his joy and excitement when he told FRED IWENJORA more details about the new partnership which is seen by auto industry watchers as a boost to many calls by Nigeria for increment in its foreign direct investment interests.
Partnership
On the new partnership, Engr Okafor said the plan is to first set up NrG Company (pronounced energy) and produce several units of solar-powered tricycles named Nikeke ultimately boosting Nigeria’s transportation system as well as providing for its operators and lifting them out from the poverty index.
According to him “If you would ask me if I believe in angel investors, my answer is definitely yes. Do I also believe in predestination? Oh yes!
The reality before me after the prototype development was that my dreams will remain mere dreams. But somehow, I kept the faith against all odds and today my instincts have been proven right.
“Sustainable Communities Corporation located in the United States has proposed a partnership with Okafor Motors, to start mass production of solar-electric powered tricycles under a new entity called Nrg Corporation, with ‘Nrg’ pronounced as ‘energy.’ I feel excited I must confess.”
Under this partnership, so many options will be explored. Together with mass production of the prototype, we are also considering several other modifications inclusive of quadracycles and electric bikes.
Other than financing this new partnership, SCC via their subsidiary, WinBat company, will be deploying their hemp battery technology, ensuring that our solar-electric tricycles will become a serious contender with the conventional gasoline tricycles.
Speaking on the four years wait since the launching of the prototype, he hinted that “this is definitely a dream come true. Four years since the prototype was developed, we kept the faith, believing this project will get to mass production phase.
“Let me explain to you that it wasn’t an easy ride waiting within the past 4 years. However, we utilized these waiting periods in modifying our designs, testing out various models to determine which of them is best suited for the local market.
“Going forward and based on our research and development within the past four years, we are confident of launching at least two different models of this product, one will be a 3 seater plus driver tricycle and the second will be a 6 seater plus driver quadracycle.