By Michael Ajayi
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has charged youths to drive the nation’s energy transition through innovation and leadership ethics.
Abdullahi gave the charge in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of the maiden Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026, an initiative that empowered over 80 young Nigerians.
He stated that the energy sector extends beyond infrastructure, describing it as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation and poverty reduction.
“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries, or infrastructure; it is fundamentally about people.
“It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education, and securing a better future,” he said.
The director-general noted that navigating Nigeria’s energy transition requires thinkers who place national interest above personal ambition.
“Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.
“I, therefore, charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy and champions of innovation.
“This fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf; it must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.
Abdullahi urged the fellows to maintain ethics, stressing that character remains the foundation of influence.
“Certificates may open doors but character sustains leadership; knowledge creates opportunities but integrity preserves them.
“Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.
He commended the participants for their discipline, resilience and ability to build bridges across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.
“You came here with curiosity, embraced learning with humility, and challenged ideas respectfully.
“You demonstrated that Nigerian youths possess limitless potential when given the right opportunity,” he noted.
Abdullahi encouraged them to leverage the networks established during the programme to collaborate on solving national development challenges.
He added that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a network of leaders committed to national transformation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DAM Foundation funded the programme in partnership with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Wing, awarding over N17million in capital to the fellows.
The platform connected the participants directly with policymakers, including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
Other mentors included former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu, and APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel.
The residential fellowship equipped participants with skills in energy policy, governance, entrepreneurship and public service.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)