inauguration ceremony Mustafa Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026 The above agreement was signed in Abuja. ₦20 million Grants and prizes awarded to young innovators who develop solutions to improve Nigeria’s energy sector.
The six-day fellowship, organized by APC National Youth Wing in collaboration with DAM Foundation, combined leadership development, policy engagement, mentorship, and innovation pitch sessions to equip young professionals with the skills to drive energy transformation.
Emmanuel Ezea from OneGrid Energies has received a £5m grant from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his community-based power solutions and has been named Overall Fellow of the Year.
Samuel Uzodinma Muoleeh from Archpace Technologies Ltd won £3 million as Best Fellow in second place overall, and Audu Precious Adayi from Solar Switch won £2 million as Best Fellow in third place overall.
Taiwo Oladunjoye of Beautwealt Electronics also received a Biodun Ogunleye Grant worth ₦2 million.
The Climate Technology Solutions team won the Best Group Pitch award and won £5 million. Also, Ovurevu Nafisat of First Sun Solar Energy Nig., Ltd. received ₦2 million as the best interview applicant.
Other award winners include Emmanuel Alikpo, who received ₦500,000 as Best Conduct Fellow, and Samuel Imanshu Gabriel, who received the Outstanding Leadership Award worth ₦500,000.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel said the fellowship is an investment in Nigeria’s future energy leaders.
He said the initiative aims to develop visionary young professionals who can drive the country’s energy transition through innovation, excellence and purposeful leadership.
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Executive Director of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and founder of the fellowship, encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the program to develop practical solutions to the country’s energy challenges.
He said the fellows are expected to be ambassadors of innovation and lead efforts to promote integrity, clean energy and sustainable national development.
Reacting to the award, Emmanuel Ezeah said the award will motivate the team to scale up community-based energy solutions that improve access to electricity across Nigeria.
He added that the fellowship provided participants with the confidence and leadership skills needed to scale up innovative energy projects that have lasting social impact.
The fellowship concluded with the awarding of certificates and grants to participants. Organizers said the program aims to build a network of young innovators committed to promoting clean energy, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.
