Sheikh Sultan honours Nigerian foundation for helping refugee kids with clean energy

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, alongside Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), have bestowed the prestigious Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA) to Nigerian non-profit LightEd Impact Foundation.

The awarding ceremony of the 8th annual edition of SIARA was hosted by prominent media figure Ahmed Al Yamahi, and took place at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) on Wednesday.

This international humanitarian recognition has drawn global attention towards the exceptional contributions of LightEd Impact Foundation to significantly enhance the lives of refugees and displaced individuals across Nigeria and greater Africa by providing clean and sustainable energy solutions.

‘Our ultimate hope is that this award will no longer be necessary one day; the world will be free of war and conflict’

In her opening address, Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of TBHF, emphasised the vital role of humanitarian action in overcoming today’s global challenges: “Humanity today faces unprecedented challenges; the likes of which we have not witnessed before. However, what sets this era of human history apart is that, for the first time, our collective values of solidarity and humanity have come to the forefront of global priorities, influencing how we live and the relationships we forge with people and nations.”

Al Hammadi continued: "In times like these, creative and unconventional humanitarian work serves as a victory for victims and a collective commitment to shared human values. It affirms that goodness endures, no matter how dark the times, and that the light of hope will inevitably arrive, carried by those who believe in the power of kindness to defeat evil and generosity to restore dignity."

The Director General praised LightEd Impact's work, emphasising its role in empowering communities through sustainable energy solutions: "The foundation has established solar energy stations in remote areas of Nigeria, providing refugee children the opportunity to continue their education and acquire essential skills. Furthermore, it also contributed to establishing safety and security standards, leading to a reduction in various forms of crime, including theft, murder, harassment, and rape."

She concluded by saying: "Since the launch of SIARA, our primary goal has always been to support initiatives that improve the lives of refugees and people in need worldwide. However, our ultimate hope is that this award will no longer be necessary one day. We dream of a world without refugees, where wars in Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, and other nations cease, and where peace prevails. Despite the difficult circumstances in Gaza today, we remain confident that the strength of hope will spark countless initiatives, rallying hundreds and thousands of hands to overcome this crisis."

Andrew Harper, Special Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on Climate Action, commended Sharjah for its significant contributions to supporting refugees and fostering international collaboration.

He said: "I extend my deepest appreciation to Sheikha Jawaher for her outstanding role in leading humanitarian efforts aimed at protecting and empowering refugees at both regional and global levels. Through TBHF, Her Highness' contributions have reached over one million of the world’s most vulnerable people, providing essential humanitarian aid in areas such as education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment."

Harper stressed the urgent global need for action to tackle climate challenges, which disproportionately affect refugees: "Climate change is the defining crisis of our time. Almost three-quarters of forcibly displaced people are living on the frontlines of the climate crisis, in countries highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Imagine fleeing your home due to war or conflict, only to face severe droughts, floods, and extreme heat.”

“The frequency and magnitude of these disasters are warning signals that the world cannot afford to ignore. That is why immediate action is needed to ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind.

"I commend the choice of LightEd Impact Foundation as this year’s SIARA recipient for their exceptional efforts in providing clean, sustainable energy solutions to disadvantaged communities. Their solar charging stations and renewable energy lamps have transformed the lives of over 6,000 people in Nigeria, illuminating not just their homes, but their futures. Initiatives like these demonstrate the power of innovation to confront immense global challenges, including climate change, and improve the quality of life for displaced communities," Harper concluded.

The ceremony featured a short film showcasing LightEd Impact's achievements, which have benefited more than 50,000 families in refugee camps and rural areas across Africa. It also equipped individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for maintaining these stations and introduced educational programs for recycling consumable materials and converting them into alternative energy sources.

After receiving the honour from Sheikh Sultan,Stanley Anigbogu, Founder of LightEd Impact Foundation expressed his gratitude, stating “Growing up in Onitsha, Nigeria, I knew the reality of energy poverty all too well. The dim light of a kerosene lamp or a candle was often all I had to study. It was a small flicker of hope in a world filled with challenges. During these moments, struggling to study with inadequate light, I realised how deeply energy access is connected to education, health, and opportunity. I realised that light is not just a physical necessity; it is a symbol of opportunity, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for change.

He added: “At LightEd, we believe that creativity is the key to unlocking impactful and sustainable solutions. We have embraced the power of simplicity in our designs and the strength of community in our implementation. Our work is driven by the belief that when we light up a home, we light up a future. When we empower a child with knowledge, we empower a generation. As we stand here today, I am deeply moved by the journey that has brought us to this point. The road has not been easy, but it has been filled with moments of profound joy—watching a child’s face light up with the first glow of clean energy, seeing a mother’s relief as she charges a phone to stay connected to loved ones, witnessing communities come together to build a brighter future. Today, I stand before you not just to share my story, but to remind you of the power we all hold to inspire, to create, and to lead.”

LightEd Impact Foundation’s receipt of the Dhs500,000 SIARA award is a testament to the transformative power of innovation in addressing some of the most pressing challenges less fortunate communities face. The foundation provides sustainable energy solutions to refugee communities.

It addresses major challenges, including the difficulty of disposing of 1.1 million tonnes of e-waste annually, with nearly 88% of total plastic waste not being recycled.

Anigbogu tackled this issue through the circular economy model, repurposing electronic and plastic waste to manufacture portable solar lamps and electric charging stations.

The ceremony also witnessed an inspiring dialogue between LightEd Impact’s founder Stanley Anigbogu and the non-profit’s beneficiaries, who are now part of the foundation’s team. They shared stories of the foundation’s impact. Anigbogu highlighted how sustainable energy solutions have transformed refugee communities, while beneficiaries shared how the foundation’s initiatives empowered them, providing access to education and new opportunities for development. Their stories underscored the significant positive changes brought by LightEd Impact’s work.

Al Multaqa Orchestra, composed of young musicians, many of whom were displaced due to the conflict in Sudan, staged an inspiring performance blending African and Afro-Arabic musical traditions. The orchestra delivered a powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The orchestra serves as a vivid example of how the arts can unite people around values of peace and love. Through their performances, these young musicians continue to promote cultural dialogue and artistic diplomacy around the world.

During the ceremony, TBHF also declared registrations for the 9th edition open. Individuals and organisations working in support and advocacy for refugees in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa can submit their applications or nominate others for the 2025 edition of SIARA until December 8 on https://tbhf.ae/sharjah-international-award/.

This year marked a significant shift in the selection process for the winning organisation. The 2024 winner selection committee included Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, member of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Sharjah, and lecturer at the university; Rosa Piro, Director General of Arada Humanitarian Foundation; and Mohammed Zakaria, Founder and Director of Seven Hills, and recipient the SIARA 2022 award. For the first time in the award’s history, the jury also welcomed a young woman who had experienced life as a refugee: Ms. Hina Shekhani, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, a recipient of the DAFI scholarship, and a team leader at Jobs Pakistan. The committee also included representatives from TBHF and UNHCR.

Alongside Sheikh Sultan, the following prominent figures attended the event: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Dr. Mansour Bin Nassar, Head of the Legal Department for the Government of Sharjah; Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority.

Others present at the event were Major General Abdullah Mubarak Bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Nora Ahmed Al Noman, Head of the Executive Office of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi; Abdullah Khalifa Al Subosi, Director of the Department of Islamic Affairs; Essa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; and a number of senior officials, directors of departments and government entities, as well as representatives from humanitarian organisations.

The Sharjah National Oil Corporation sponsored the 8th edition of the SIARA award as the Gold Sponsor, Bee’ah Group as the Silver Sponsor, the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park as the Official Venue Sponsor, Centro Sharjah as the Official Hospitality Sponsor, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority as the Logistics Sponsor.