APC National Youth Wing, DAM Foundation Launch MAELF 2026 Boot Camp

The APC National Youth Wing, in collaboration with the DAM Foundation, on Monday kicked off the five-day Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026 Boot Camp in Abuja, bringing together about 100 emerging energy leaders from across Nigeria for policy dialogue, leadership development, and innovation-driven learning.

Declaring the fellowship open, APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel described MAELF as a one-week residential programme designed to equip young Nigerians in the renewable energy and biogas ecosystem with the knowledge and skills to scale their businesses and drive Nigeria’s energy transition.

“Beyond political mobilisation, our responsibility is to translate government policies into measurable opportunities for young Nigerians. Participants will also compete for grants of up to ₦17.5 million to support outstanding energy solutions,” Israel said.

The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma Uchegbu, praised the organisers for investing in young innovators, stressing that tackling energy poverty requires empowering youth. He also announced that the Ministry will launch Nigeria’s first Energy Academy in Kogi State next week to strengthen energy capacity development.

The opening day featured a keynote session on “Personal Development: Self-Leadership, Purpose and Energy Leadership” by Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, CEO of Strengths Africa Limited, alongside a technical session on “The Physical Realities of Power Generation and Grid Distribution.” The panel, moderated by Kanyinsola Owolabi and John Otetah, featured Engr. Abdu Mohammed Bello, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and Engr. Olalere Odusote, who explored grid management, rural electrification, sub-national power systems, and opportunities for emerging energy leaders while Ayo Ademilua, the President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) did a fire chat session on Navigating the Pathways to Smart and Microgrid Commercialization.

The MAELF 2026 Boot Camp continues throughout the week with expert-led sessions, mentorship, policy engagements, practical workshops, and innovation pitches aimed at shaping the next generation of Nigeria’s energy leaders.