Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the inaugural Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026, a programme designed to develop future leaders for Nigeria’s energy sector.
The week-long fellowship, organised by the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, ended in Abuja with participants receiving certificates and an empowerment package worth more than ₦17 million. Outstanding fellows were awarded startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million.
The Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship brought together carefully selected participants from across Nigeria for six days of intensive training in leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance, and sustainable development. The programme also featured policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, workshops, panel discussions, team projects and networking opportunities to prepare participants for leadership roles in the country’s evolving energy industry.
Several notable figures addressed the fellows, including Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (SAN), Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and Hon. Dayo Israel.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi described the fellows as “ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future.” He urged them to build their careers on integrity, excellence and service, adding, “Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies.”
He also stressed that the energy sector is about improving lives, creating opportunities and driving national development, rather than simply providing electricity or infrastructure. According to the organisers, the successful launch of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant investment in youth empowerment, with future editions already being planned.
How important do you think leadership programmes like the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship are for Nigeria’s energy future?
