Valentine Nnamani grew up with his grandpa, using kerosene lamps for light. He witnessed firsthand the harm caused by a lack of sustainable energy solutions. Falling into a flooded gutter due to plastic waste further fueled his drive for change. In response, he founded OneGrid Energies to provide affordable solar lamps, tackling energy poverty and plastic pollution in Nigeria.
The main challenge Valentine aims to solve is the lack of energy access, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where millions rely on polluting kerosene lamps. His social business offers a sustainable alternative, improving health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and empowering communities.
Valentine’s journey as an entrepreneur is driven by the desire to make a positive impact. Through the Y&Y Fellowship Program, he gains validation, knowledge, and mentorship to scale his impact. Mentors play a crucial role in guiding him through challenges, shortening his learning curve, and helping him achieve tangible results. For young social entrepreneurs, Valentine advises resilience and patience, emphasizing that success takes time. He encourages aspiring fellows to apply to the Y&Y Fellowship Program, citing its transformative impact on his journey. With dedication and support, he believes anyone can drive sustainable change and create a better future for their communities.
