News
Chinecherem Ezea Clinches Top Prize as MAELF 2026 Rewards Young Energy Innovators with Over ₦20 Million
Joel Ajayi
The inaugural Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026, organised by the APC National Youth Wing in collaboration with the DAM Foundation, concluded in Abuja with over ₦20 million in grants and prizes awarded to outstanding young innovators driving Nigeria’s energy transition.
After six days of intensive leadership training, policy engagement, mentorship, and innovation pitches, Emmanuel Chinecherem Ezea of OneGrid Energies emerged as the Overall Best Fellow, winning the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Prize of ₦5 million for his community-based electricity solution.
Other top winners included Samuel Uzodinma Muoleeh of Archpace Technologies Ltd (Second Overall, ₦3 million), Audu Precious Adayi of Solar Switch (Third Overall, ₦2 million), Taiwo Oladunjoye of Beautwealt Electronics (Biodun Ogunleye Grant, ₦2 million), the Climate Technology Solutions Team (Best Group Pitch, ₦5 million), Ovurevu Nafisat of First Sun Solar Energy Nig. Ltd. (Best Interview Applicant, ₦2 million), Emmanuel Arikpo (Best Behaved Fellow, ₦500,000), and Samuel Imanche Gabriel (Excellent Leadership Award, ₦500,000).
Speaking at the closing ceremony, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, described MAELF as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
“MAELF is more than a fellowship; it is a movement to raise visionary leaders who will drive Nigeria’s energy transition through innovation, excellence, and purposeful leadership. Today’s graduates represent the future of our nation’s energy sector.”
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and Founder of MAELF, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi urged the graduating fellows to lead with integrity and transform knowledge into impact.
“You are no longer just Fellows; you are ambassadors of innovation and hope. Let this fellowship inspire you to create solutions, serve with integrity, and lead Nigeria’s energy transformation.”
Responding after receiving the top prize, Emmanuel Chinecherem Ezea described the award as a call to greater service.
“This recognition strengthens our resolve to build scalable energy solutions that improve lives. MAELF has empowered us to think bigger, lead boldly, and deliver lasting impact in communities across Nigeria.”
The Fellowship ended with the presentation of certificates and grants, reinforcing its commitment to building a network of young professionals advancing innovation, clean energy, and sustainable national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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