Nigeria is exploring the possibility of funding the local production of an ‘electricity-generating football’ invented by one of its citizens.

Created by a young Harvard-trained Nigerian, Jessica Matthews, the ”Power-Generating Soccer Ball” was presented to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja on Friday.

Nigeria’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, who oversaw the presentation, praised the multi-functionality of the product, stating that it could also be used as a mobile phone.

“We are also looking at the possibilities of manufacturing it in Nigeria and see how we can make it cheaper in this country. I am glad that Jessica has also agreed to be one of our Ambassadors in terms of promoting entrepreneurship in our universities”, Aganga said.

They noted that the President recently launched a University Enterprise Programme to encourage the development of young entrepreneurial minds in the country, adding that inventors such as Jessica will serve as inspiration for younger minds looking to explore innovative ventures in the future.

Reacting to the presentation, President Jonathan commended her creative and multitalented nature – given that she ventured into applied sciences despite her academic career being limited to social sciences including psychology and economics.

He also pinpointed that the choice to launch such a unique product in her home country is proof of her patriotism.

The invention should provide an alternative and more suitably cheaper means of sourcing for energy as the country continues to employ strategies in its bid to provide adequately power for an economy key to Africa’s developmental strides.

Image via: Vangaurd