Emmanuel Chinecherem Ezea Emerges Overall Winner as MAELF 2026 Awards Over ₦20 Million to Young Energy Innovators

The inaugural Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026, organised by the APC National Youth Wing in collaboration with the DAM Foundation, concluded in Abuja with over ₦20 million in grants and prizes awarded to outstanding young innovators driving Nigeria’s energy transition.

After six days of intensive leadership training, policy engagement, mentorship, and innovation pitches, Emmanuel Chinecherem Ezea of OneGrid Energies emerged as the Overall Best Fellow, winning the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Prize of ₦5 million for his community-based electricity solution.

Other top winners included Samuel Uzodinma Muoleeh of Archpace Technologies Ltd (Second Overall, ₦3 million), Audu Precious Adayi of Solar Switch (Third Overall, ₦2 million), Taiwo Oladunjoye of Beautwealt Electronics (Biodun Ogunleye Grant, ₦2 million), the Climate Technology Solutions Team (Best Group Pitch, ₦5 million), Ovurevu Nafisat of First Sun Solar Energy Nig. Ltd. (Best Interview Applicant, ₦2 million), Emmanuel Arikpo (Best Behaved Fellow, ₦500,000), and Samuel Imanche Gabriel (Excellent Leadership Award, ₦500,000).

Speaking at the closing ceremony, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, described MAELF as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

“MAELF is more than a fellowship; it is a movement to raise visionary leaders who will drive Nigeria’s energy transition through innovation, excellence, and purposeful leadership. Today’s graduates represent the future of our nation’s energy sector.”

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and Founder of MAELF, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi urged the graduating fellows to lead with integrity and transform knowledge into impact.

“You are no longer just Fellows; you are ambassadors of innovation and hope. Let this fellowship inspire you to create solutions, serve with integrity, and lead Nigeria’s energy transformation.”

Responding after receiving the top prize, Emmanuel Chinecherem Ezea described the award as a call to greater service.

“This recognition strengthens our resolve to build scalable energy solutions that improve lives. MAELF has empowered us to think bigger, lead boldly, and deliver lasting impact in communities across Nigeria.”

The Fellowship ended with the presentation of certificates and grants, reinforcing its commitment to building a network of young professionals advancing innovation, clean energy, and sustainable national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.