BY AHMED AKANBI
The Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a N17.5 million grant to support innovative renewable energy projects by young Nigerians, as part of efforts to drive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s power sector reform agenda.
National Youth Leader of the APC, Dayo Israel, announced the grant on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the Dr Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship, MAELF, saying the grant is supported by Dr Mustapha Abdullahi and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to Israel, the funding is aimed at encouraging young professionals to develop bankable renewable energy solutions and enterprises that can address Nigeria’s power deficit and create jobs.
”This N17.5 million grant is not just money. It is an investment in young Nigerians who have ideas that can transform our energy sector. We want to see these ideas move from concept to viable businesses that will light up homes, power industries and create employment,” he said.
The seven-day residential fellowship will equip participants with knowledge and practical skills in renewable energy, energy transition policies, climate action, leadership and governance.
Israel said the initiative was conceived to complement the Federal Government’s commitment to fixing Nigeria’s energy challenges and building a new generation of professionals to drive sustainable solutions.
”Energy remains one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges. The President has made it clear that fixing the nation’s energy problems is a priority, and as a party, we believe we have a responsibility to support him in achieving that vision,” he stated.
He noted that inadequate electricity supply remains one of the biggest obstacles to Nigeria’s economic growth, affecting businesses, industries and households across the country.
Participants in the fellowship will engage directly with key institutions in the energy sector, including the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Rural Electrification Agency, as well as regulators and private sector players.
Israel added that the programme will also expose fellows to funding opportunities and strategic partnerships needed to scale their projects and contribute meaningfully to the renewable energy ecosystem.
”Through this fellowship, we are creating a platform for young Nigerians in the energy ecosystem to engage policymakers and contribute practical ideas that will strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy sector,” he said.
