Nigeria Must Invest in Youth, Research To Secure Renewable Energy Future — Akpoyibo
ABUJA – The President of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, has called for increased investment in youth development, innovation and research as part of efforts to achieve sustainable energy security and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.
Akpoyibo made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Society’s Board of Trustees, Patrons and Sub-Committee Chairpersons, as well as the conferment of Fellowship Awards at the Prof. I. H. Umar Conference Hall.
The SESN President 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.
Akpoyibo described the event as a major milestone in the Society’s history, noting that the inauguration of the Board of Trustees, recognition of patrons, inauguration of sub-committee chairpersons and conferment of fellowship awards would strengthen the organisation’s capacity to advance renewable energy development in Nigeria.
He said the Society remained committed to driving innovation, advocacy and partnerships that would accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions across the country.
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.
Speaking on the fellowship awards, Akpoyibo said the honour was reserved for individuals who had demonstrated exceptional professional achievements and commitment to renewable energy development.
Among the fellowship awardees 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 the energy sector.
He stated that the Fellowship of the Society remains one of its highest honours, conferred on individuals who have distinguished themselves in professional excellence, renewable energy advocacy and service to national development.
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.
The SESN President also unveiled his administration’s strategic agenda aimed at repositioning the Society for greater impact.
The agenda 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 National Solar Energy Forum would be hosted in Abuja or Lagos to attract broader participation from policymakers, investors, academics and international development partners.
Akpoyibo expressed optimism that with the support of members and stakeholders, the Society would emerge as a leading force in renewable energy development and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s quest for sustainable energy solutions.
The event concluded with a guided tour of electric vehicle charging facilities powered by solar energy, as well as a visit to electric vehicle showroom locations within central areas of Abuja, showcasing practical demonstrations of clean energy integration and sustainable mobility solutions.
