Africa energy leaders gather to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day, on 2/12/2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.
AFCONE joined the annual celebration of World Nuclear Energy Day following its inception in 2020. Member States, government ministries, international organizations, professional associations, scholars and companies around the world have adopted December 2 as a day to celebrate the positive impact of nuclear science, under the theme “Power the Planet, Sustain the future”.
AFCONE Chairperson H.E. Gaspard LIYOKO MBOYO, used the opportunity to honour the innovators, operators, and supporters of nuclear technology.
Mr. Liyoko MBOYO virtually joined the high-profile guests in the celebration marked in Abuja, Nigeria that included President of WEOG Engr Tolu Longe, Chairman of Nigeria Senate Committee H.E. Sahaba Yau, and Director General for Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) Engr Anthony Ekedegwa.
During the opening ceremony, the AFCONE Chairperson emphasized the need to promote awareness, education of nuclear energy, advocate for clean energy, combat misinformation, drive innovation and policy for nuclear energy.
AFCONE Chairperson H.E. Gaspard Liyoko MBOYO address the World Nuclear Energy Day celebration in Lagos, Nigeria on 2/12/2025.
“World Nuclear Energy Day is highly relevant to Africa States. This is because nuclear energy is increasingly becoming a crucial solution for the continent’s energy needs and development”, says Mr. Liyoko Mboyo.
The chairperson affirmed AFCONE commitment to actively support and promote the use of peaceful nuclear energy applications, including nuclear power, to address Africa’s significant energy deficit and drive socio-economic development for Africa.
“Africa must therefore weigh all its options to increase its energy access, with emphasis not just meeting capacity requirements, but sustainability and environmental obligations as well” added Mr. Liyoko Mboyo.
“Nuclear is not only about energy, but it offers opportunities for jobs, investment for industries, and export. Nuclear power brings a significant long-term economic benefit and supports a wide range of businesses”, said Eng Christabel Ekeocha, who is currently the Chairperson Nuclear Energy Sector in Nigeria.
“As we look at the future, harmonization of regulatory process must continue to provide a more internationally consistent, efficient and predictable nuclear licensing regime, that allows for standardized solutions, without compromising safety and security”, said Eng Christabel Ekeocha during her closing remarks.
The day marks significant historical moments like the first controlled nuclear chain reaction in 1942 and the start of commercial nuclear power, connecting global efforts to advance nuclear energy for social benefit.