Power banks have become lifelines in Kwanar Ungogo, a Kano community wrestling with erratic electricity supply. Young entrepreneurs backed by Mopo Company now rent the devices for just N300 daily.
At N300 per day, customers get enough charge to power their phones four or five times. Area Manager Zainab Shuaib oversees three agents operating from a single outlet in the neighbourhood.
Each agent manages over 70 power banks simultaneously. A dedicated charging station keeps returned devices ready for the next customer.
Residents initially viewed the service with suspicion. Today, demand extends beyond Kwanar Ungogo to neighbouring communities like Dawanau and Rijiyar Lemo.
Agents verify customer details before handing over any device. A mobile app activation is required—without it, the power bank won't function.
Returned units go straight to the charging station for recharge. They're back in circulation within hours.
One agent, Mahmud Sulaiman Bawa, traded his soft drinks business for this opportunity. He never thought he'd work in technology-driven ventures.
"I was selling bottled drinks when Mopo officials approached me," Mahmud recalled. "They explained the business when I was heading to the mosque."
His friend heard about the proposal and joined him. Both underwent comprehensive training before launching operations.
Training covered charging procedures and customer registration. It also taught them how the activation system works through the company's application.
"The business has really opened our eyes," Mahmud noted. Many people didn't realize power banks required digital activation to function.
Initial scepticism plagued the service's introduction. Community members questioned whether such a concept could work in their environment.
But acceptance came quickly as residents experienced genuine relief. Customers discovered they could charge phones without depending on unreliable grid electricity.
By creating these rental points, Mopo Company identified a gap in Nigeria's energy crisis. Youth unemployment and power shortages converged into a workable solution.
Mahmud works alongside two other agents at the Kwanar Ungogo outlet. Together, they process dozens of transactions daily from morning till evening.
The business model is straightforward yet effective. Customers rent, use, return, and pay—all within transparent operational procedures.
For young people in similar circumstances, Mahmud's story offers encouragement. Innovation doesn't always require advanced degrees or massive capital investment.
Kwanar Ungogo's power bank service now operates as a community fixture. What seemed strange months ago has become normal, even essential.
Success here suggests similar services could work in other Nigerian communities. Electricity challenges aren't unique to Kano State.
Mopo Company's strategy targets underserved populations in areas with power problems. The N300 daily rate remains affordable for most residents.
As Mahmud continues renting power banks, he reflects on his career shift. From beverages to technology—his journey mirrors Kwanar Ungogo's own evolution.
