In an exclusive interview on her mission in Kenya, Yemi Alade told Ignatius Chukwu that Gravitylight was the answer to the darkness engulfing over 550 million Africans. She equally spoke about her eagerness for the technology to make way to Nigeria. Excerpts:
You seem to have melted into the Kenyan groove, their flow and life. How did you easily do that and how do you feel now?
(Laughs – ) I feel at home. I think the more I travel around, especially around Africa, I get the feeling that it should be one country, though it’s too big to be. I see the same people, same untarred roads, the same thatched roofs, same clothes, same problems everywhere, same joy and same music. It’s very easy to go to any African country and feel at home.
What are you telling Kenyans about Gravitylight?
I am encouraging them to use it, especially those that really need it, because I don’t think using candles and kerosene lanterns are amazing choices. In health and cost, it is better, safe, totally more affordable and long lasting. Also, the inventor (Jim Reeves) says the total power from one GravityLight is about a tenth of a watt. Advancements in LED technology and efficiency now mean that this small amount of power can generate enough light for reading and doing things such as homework. GravityLight is over five times brighter than a kerosene lamp. Now, with no running costs, GravityLight will pay for itself within three to six months of switching from kerosene, saving families money thereafter. I am telling them that GravityLight is being launched first in their own homeland and this is said to be done using a sustainable economic model that creates jobs, enhances skills and improves livelihoods. You will recall that Shell and the GravityLight Foundation are for the first time bringing more than 3,000 units of special lighting devices to families in Kenya, where almost 80 per cent of the population live with no access to electricity. GravityLight therefore offers a clean, safe, affordable and reliable alternative to other fuel sources including kerosene lamps, which are used in homes by millions of families in Africa. The inventors have made us understand that the low-carbon innovation does not need batteries or sunlight and costs nothing to run. It works by connecting an elevated bag filled with 12kg of rocks or sand to a pulley system. I have personally tried it and each time the weight descends to the ground it powers a generator to create 20 minutes of light. This is what I am telling Kenyans about this rare lighting opportunity at their doorsteps.
And how are they receiving the message?
You have gone round with us from the outskirts of Nairobi to as far up central as the communities in Nanyuki and you saw the huge crowds and great enthusiasm on rural people. It is amazing, it is inspiring.
Do you think this kind of technology has a future, to convince you to be the ambassador, the face of the invention?
Yes, I believe Gravitylight has a future in Africa. In Nigeria, we do not use kerosene, but rechargeable lights, but here is what does not need kerosene or battery. To charge, you need light, but this one, all you need is weight, stone. You just pull and pull. On a lighter note, if I may say, a student can even put his or her books inside if it can fit in. I think it’s a fantastic choice for Africa. All that is needed is availability.
What assurances have they given you that this would come to Nigeria?
Well, you know how they say, nothing is free. In other to manufacture this, much money is needed for production, etc. As we heard from the inventors and Shell, they say they are using Kenya as a test market, to see if it can fly and how people accept it commercially. There is test-market going on. You can get an idea how it can fly in Nigeria and in other places. Everything starts gradually, you know.
In your songs you try to weave the concepts of Nigeria, one African such that other tribes in Nigeria and Africa pick things they relate with and flow with your songs and steps. What is your message for African integration?
I see a United Africa, one day some day. I really think time has come. People should put their personal interests away and be more selfless and make this dream come true.
What is your take away from Kenya?
I am taking Gravitylight home (..laughs). I am taking home much that I met in Daraja Girls Academy as well. I never knew that such a facility existed. It’s not enough to just equip girls with theories and formula in text books, but there is something called social life. In Nigeria we call it ‘Street 101’. I think these girls are being trained in that; how to speak freely and respectfully, how to be strong, yet mild. They are not just passing through school, but school is also passing through them. I have taken pictures of each of the pillars that they stand by. I feel much empowered by now.