Adejola Adeyemi Crown
The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria on Thursday conferred fellowship awards on distinguished energy professionals and urged stakeholders to embrace innovation, research and youth development to fast-track Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.
The call was made by the President of the Society, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, during the inauguration of the Society’s Board of Trustees, Patrons and Sub-Committee Chairpersons, as well as the conferment of Fellowship Awards held at the Prof. I. H. Umar Conference Hall in Abuja.
Among those honoured with the Society’s Fellowship Award were the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, and the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada, alongside other distinguished professionals recognised for their contributions to renewable energy development and the nation’s energy sector.
Speaking at the event, Akpoyibo said Nigeria’s growing energy demands require stronger collaboration among stakeholders, institutional reforms and strategic investments in renewable energy technologies.
According to him, empowering young people through capacity-building programmes, research initiatives and skills acquisition in solar energy technologies will not only strengthen the renewable energy sector but also contribute significantly to job creation and national development.
“We will prioritise youth empowerment through capacity-building programmes, research initiatives and skills development in solar energy technologies, contributing to job creation and national development,” he said.
The SESN President described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees, recognition of patrons, inauguration of sub-committee chairpersons and conferment of fellowship awards as a major milestone in the Society’s history.
He noted that the development would strengthen the organisation’s capacity to advance renewable energy development while driving innovation, advocacy and partnerships aimed at accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions across the country.
Akpoyibo also unveiled his administration’s strategic agenda, which includes expanding membership through inclusion and diversity, establishing functional committees, developing a digital membership and registration system, strengthening partnerships with government agencies and private sector organisations, promoting youth development and expanding the reach of the National Solar Energy Forum.
He disclosed that future editions of the forum would be hosted in Abuja or Lagos to attract broader participation from policymakers, investors, academics and international development partners.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees comprises former senator and engineer, Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON; Senator Engr. Ibrahim Gobir, PhD; Prof. Salihu Mustafa; Vice Admiral Kari Ombu (Rtd), CFR, mni; Prof. Isaac Nathaniel Itodo, FSESN; Prof. Sunny Ahweafada; and Alhaji Kabir Shagaya.
The Society also recognised its patrons led by Chairman of the Patrons Council, Emeritus Professor A. S. Sambo, OON. Other members include Emeritus Professor O. C. Iloeje, Prof. A. A. Asere, Prof. Maxwell M. Gidado, OON, SAN, Commodore Isaac M. Mankilik (Rtd), PhD, and Engr. Dr. Samuel Erhiare Onoji.
Addressing the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees, Akpoyibo urged members to provide strategic oversight and preserve the institutional integrity of the Society.
“Your role is to provide strategic oversight, preserve our institutional integrity and guide the long-term vision of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria,” he said.
He also charged sub-committee chairpersons to drive innovation, research and advocacy while strengthening member engagement and collaboration, describing the committees as the engine room of the Society.
Expressing optimism about the future, Akpoyibo said the Society would continue to emerge as a leading force in renewable energy development and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s quest for sustainable energy solutions.
The event ended with a guided tour of solar-powered electric vehicle charging facilities and visits to electric vehicle showrooms within Abuja’s city centre, showcasing practical examples of clean energy integration and sustainable mobility solutions.
