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The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, has been honoured as a Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) Ambassador as the Church celebrates its historic 180th anniversary at Hope Waddell Parish, Calabar.

The honour holds special significance for Professor Uduma, who comes from a strong Presbyterian family and has maintained a deep connection with the Church and its institutions. He dedicated the award to the memory of his parents, the late Elder and Elder (Mrs.) Oji Uduma, acknowledging their faith, values, and influence in shaping his life.

Professor Uduma’s association with the Presbyterian Church extends beyond family heritage. He once served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu, one of the Church’s historic institutions and an important part of its enduring legacy in healthcare and community service

The Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu, has its roots in the missionary work of the Church of Scotland Mission, which established the institution in 1913. Its establishment reflected the Presbyterian tradition of combining Christian evangelism with education, healthcare, and service to humanity.

The history of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria itself is deeply woven into the story of Christianity and education in Nigeria. The Presbyterian mission began in Calabar in 1846, following an invitation from local leaders who sought assistance in education, agriculture, and the teaching of Christianity. Rev. Hope Masterton Waddell arrived in Calabar on 10 April 1846 and laid the foundation for what would become one of Nigeria’s oldest Christian denominations.

From its earliest years, the Presbyterian mission went beyond evangelism. It established schools, promoted literacy, and encouraged social development. The Hope Waddell Training Institution became one of the notable landmarks of early formal education in Nigeria.

The Presbyterian legacy was further enriched by missionaries such as Mary Slessor, who arrived in Calabar in 1876. Slessor became renowned for her courageous missionary and humanitarian work, particularly her opposition to harmful traditional practices, including the killing of twins. Her ministry exemplified a Christian mission that combined evangelism with the defence of human dignity and service to vulnerable communities.

Over the decades, the Presbyterian Church became increasingly indigenous. Administrative control was transferred to Nigerians in 1945, and the Church assumed the name Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in 1960. Its churches, schools, hospitals, and other institutions have since contributed significantly to Nigeria’s religious, educational, and social development.

Against this historic background, the conferment of the PCN Ambassadorial honour on Professor Uduma carries a particularly personal and symbolic meaning. His family heritage, his service to a major Presbyterian institution, and his present leadership of a national university converge around a common Presbyterian value: the transformation of lives through faith, knowledge, and service.

As Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma is advancing this educational heritage through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), a model that brings quality higher education closer to the people His leadership reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that distance, location, employment, family responsibilities, or other circumstances do not become barriers to acquiring university education.

This commitment has particular significance for the Presbyterian community. Through NOUN’s flexible and accessible ODL system, members of the Presbyterian Church—including pastors, church workers, professionals, young people and other members who may be unable to attend conventional universities—can pursue higher education while remaining in their communities and continuing their responsibilities. The university’s network of study centres across Nigeria further strengthens this opportunity by bringing learner support and educational services closer to prospective and existing students.

In this regard, Professor Uduma’s leadership of NOUN represents a modern extension of the Presbyterian tradition of using education as an instrument for human development. The same spirit that inspired the establishment of schools and institutions by Presbyterian missionaries in the nineteenth century is being expressed today through technology-enabled, flexible, and inclusive Open and Distance Learning.

The 180th anniversary celebration is consequently not merely a commemoration of longevity. It is a celebration of a remarkable legacy of faith, education, healthcare, humanitarian service, and national development—and an opportunity to renew that legacy for future generations.

For Professor Uduma, the honour is both a recognition and a homecoming: a tribute to his own contribution to education and service, while paying homage to the Presbyterian heritage that helped shape his family and, ultimately, his own journey.

By dedicating the award to his late parents, Elder and Elder (Mrs.) Oji Uduma, Professor Uduma underscored the enduring truth that great achievements are often rooted in values received from those who came before us.

From Hope Waddell and Mary Slessor in nineteenth-century Calabar to the establishment of Presbyterian schools and hospitals such as the Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu, the Church’s 180-year story remains a powerful testament to the capacity of faith expressed through education, compassion and service to transform individuals and society.

Today, through his leadership of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Uduma is helping to carry that educational legacy into the future—opening the doors of higher education to more Nigerians, including members of the Presbyterian Church, through accessible, flexible and inclusive Open and Distance Learning.

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, has defended the presentation made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, during a recent television interview, arguing that the media focus on a comment about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eating once a day and walking to his office overshadowed critical issues concerning Nigeria’s tax reforms.

Sani, in a post on his official X account, said the NRS Chairman made important submissions on tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes during the interview, which, in his view, deserved serious public debate and scrutiny.

According to him, rather than interrogating the substantive issues raised by the revenue chief, sections of the media concentrated on the controversial comment about the President’s personal routine.

“During the Channels interview granted by the NRS Chairman Adedeji, he made important points and statements concerning the Tax laws, reforms, implementation and processes that should have been debated or probed,” Sani wrote.

He added that the media’s emphasis on the statement that the President eats once a day and walks to his office ultimately reduced a serious discussion on taxation and public finance to a subject of public amusement.

“The media chose to emphasise on ‘the President eating once in a day and walking to his office’. That was how a serious issue was rubbished,” the former senator said.

Sani’s intervention comes amid continuing public discussion over Nigeria’s tax reform agenda, including questions surrounding the implementation of new tax laws, revenue mobilisation, compliance, institutional responsibilities and the impact of taxation on individuals and businesses.

The former lawmaker’s position suggests that public discourse on the country’s tax system should move beyond sensational statements and focus more closely on the policies and mechanisms being introduced to improve revenue collection and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.

Taxation has remained a major issue in Nigeria’s economic debate as governments at the federal and state levels seek to increase internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on borrowing and oil-related receipts, broaden the tax base and improve compliance.

For Sani, the interview by the NRS chairman presented an opportunity for journalists, policymakers and citizens to interrogate the details of the government’s tax reforms and their implications for the Nigerian economy.

His comments also highlight concerns about the role of the media in shaping public understanding of complex policy matters, particularly when substantive economic discussions compete with politically or personally sensitive statements that attract greater public attention.

Rather than allowing the President’s reported personal routine to dominate the conversation, Sani argued that the focus should have remained on the tax laws, reform measures and implementation processes outlined by the NRS chairman.

The former senator maintained that such issues require sustained public scrutiny because taxation directly affects citizens, businesses, investors and government finances.

He therefore appeared to call for a more substantive approach to reporting economic policies, urging the public and the media to interrogate the content and consequences of government reforms rather than allowing a single controversial remark to eclipse the broader policy discussion.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has launched the Tinubu Again Movement, a political support group aimed at mobilising grassroots support across Nigeria for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The movement was unveiled on Friday in Kaduna, with Matawalle serving as its Convener and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Speaking at the launch, the National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the organisation was established with a clear mandate to mobilise Nigerians at the grassroots and secure what he described as a “resounding victory” for President Tinubu in 2027.

“We are promising the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, that we will not fail him. We will talk to everyone, we will mobilise everyone, we will do everything to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns as President in 2027,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that the movement would adopt a grassroots-driven approach, reaching voters at the household and community levels while bringing together political support groups, non-governmental organisations, women’s groups and other stakeholders.

“Our mandate is one: to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. We will mobilise support house to house, community to community, to galvanise all support political groups, non-governmental organisations, women groups and bring them under one umbrella to garner support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027,” he stated.

Abdullahi said the movement was committed to working under the introuctions of Matawalle, a grassroots politician and former Governor of Zamfara State, to expand support for the President across the 19 northern states.

“We are determined and committed to work as former Governor, Bello Matawalle, direct us to mobilise fellow Nigerian brothers and sisters men and women young and elderly to vote Tinubu for another term,” he said.
He disclosed that the movement’s mobilisation strategy would focus on grassroots engagement, voter education and consultations with key stakeholders, including youths, women, community leaders and traditional institutions.

According to him, the organisation would also engage existing political and civic groups as part of efforts to build a broad-based support network for the President ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Tinubu Again Movement further announced plans to formally inaugurate its state and local government coordinators in the coming weeks as part of efforts to establish structures across the country,

President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, is constitutionally eligible to seek a second four-year term in the 2027 presidential election.

Matawalle, who served as Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023, was appointed Minister of State for Defence in August 2023 and has remained an important political figure within the Tinubu administration.

The unveiling of the movement comes amid increasing political consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various political groups and support organisations beginning mobilisation activities across the country.

The Tinubu Again Movement said it would continue its consultations and grassroots mobilisation in the months ahead as it seeks to build support for the President’s second-term bid.

ABUJA — The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has defended John Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), insisting that their criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration reflects the everyday experiences of millions of Nigerians rather than partisan politics.

In a statement issued Tuesday by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the Forum condemned what it described as attempts by presidential aides and political allies to discredit the former Archbishop of Abuja after he questioned the government’s handling of the economy and national security.

The MBF said Cardinal Onaiyekan’s comments were consistent with concerns earlier presented by Catholic bishops during their July 24 meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where they warned that economic reforms had increased hardship and that insecurity remained widespread across the country.

According to the Forum, dismissing the Cardinal’s views amounts to ignoring the daily struggles of Nigerians battling rising food prices, inflation, unemployment and persistent violence.

The organization also rejected allegations that the senior cleric was engaging in partisan politics, describing him as a respected religious leader whose public interventions have consistently focused on justice, peace and national unity.

Turning to security, the MBF argued that despite the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, large parts of the Middle Belt continue to experience deadly attacks that have displaced millions, destroyed farming communities and worsened the humanitarian crisis.

The Forum cited Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Niger and parts of Borno among areas where residents continue to face violence, resulting in abandoned farmlands, destroyed homes and thousands of internally displaced persons with limited government assistance.

It maintained that while security personnel continue to make significant sacrifices, government efforts have yet to halt the persistent attacks on rural communities or enable displaced families to return safely to their ancestral homes.

On the economy, the MBF maintained that official claims of improvement do not reflect realities on the ground. It argued that although the national minimum wage has increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, soaring inflation, rising fuel prices and the sharp depreciation of the naira have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power, leaving many households worse off than before the reforms.

The Forum said the administration should welcome constructive criticism from respected national figures instead of allowing political allies to attack those raising legitimate concerns about governance.

“The Cardinal merely echoed what millions of Nigerians experience every day. He spoke neither as a politician nor as an opposition figure. He spoke as a patriotic Nigerian and a respected religious leader committed to justice, peace and the welfare of all citizens,” the statement said.

The MBF urged the Tinubu administration to focus on reversing the country’s economic hardship, restoring security across troubled regions and addressing the plight of millions of displaced Nigerians, rather than engaging in public disputes with religious leaders who speak on behalf of suffering citizens.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Catholic Bishops in Nigeria to acknowledge the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration while continuing to offer constructive criticism in the interest of the nation.

Sani, in a statement on Sunday, said the Catholic Church has historically played a significant role in shaping public discourse and providing moral guidance, a contribution he said is widely appreciated.

He noted that while it is important for religious leaders to hold government accountable, they should also objectively assess the current situation against what obtained in previous administrations.

“We appreciate that Tinubu has achieved in infrastructure, security and the economy,” Sani said. “Catholic leaders are men of honour and integrity. They should encourage the President to achieve more.”

The former lawmaker stressed that comparing the present realities with the past would give Nigerians a clearer perspective on the progress made so far, particularly in road construction, efforts to curb insecurity, and ongoing economic reforms.

“The role the Catholic leaders are playing in the past is appreciated, but they should compare the situation of the country before the present administration,” he added.

Sani urged the bishops to continue engaging government with facts and recommendations, saying such engagement would help strengthen governance and ensure more dividends of democracy for citizens.

The comment comes amid heightened public debate on the performance of the Tinubu administration, with various stakeholders calling for collaboration between government and civil society to address national challenges.

Veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi, has paid tribute to the late former Finance Minister, elder statesman and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a trusted brother who lived a fulfilled life of integrity, service and compassion.

In a condolence message, Dingyadi said the late statesman was a gentle, humble and deeply religious man who devoted his life to serving humanity, supporting the less privileged and promoting community development.

He recalled that their relationship blossomed during their journalism careers, particularly through writing, publishing and their involvement with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

“It will be recalled that late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji organised a reception in his residence to honour three of us—Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and myself. That occasion cemented our relationship for life,” Dingyadi said.

He also reminisced about how the late statesman hosted a delegation of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) journalists during the turbaning of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.

“During the dinner, we all benefited from Alhaji’s wealth of experience. Even the leader of the delegation, Hilary Anderson, publicly acknowledged the gesture and said she had learnt many things she never knew despite living in London,” he added.

Dingyadi described the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a man who loved and helped people without discrimination, shunned propaganda, rejected selfishness and remained courageous throughout his life.

“Since the demise of Sarkin Yakin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Koko, Tsoho Mafara and Muhammadu Bature, I have not seen a man who carried the burden of his people with such sincerity as late Sardaunan Sokoto.

“He opened his doors to everyone. On one occasion, he instructed his aide to grant me unrestricted access to him at all times. Anyone who was not close to him could never fully appreciate the depth of his character,” Dingyadi said.

He noted that the late elder statesman fondly called him “Yusufu,” a name he always used affectionately, reflecting his cheerful disposition, humility and respect for others.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

Before his ministerial appointments, he built a distinguished career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in key ministries, including Trade, Finance and National Planning.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions during a challenging period in Nigeria’s economic history.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna of Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers and associates, who described him as a disciplined administrator, accomplished economist and patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of integrity and selfless service will endure for generations.

His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, Abubakar Dasuki and several serving and former ministers, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.

Veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi, has paid tribute to the late former Finance Minister, elder statesman and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a trusted brother who lived a fulfilled life of integrity, service and compassion.

In a condolence message, Dingyadi said the late statesman was a gentle, humble and deeply religious man who devoted his life to serving humanity, supporting the less privileged and promoting community development.

He recalled that their relationship blossomed during their journalism careers, particularly through writing, publishing and their involvement with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

“It will be recalled that late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji organised a reception in his residence to honour three of us—Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and myself. That occasion cemented our relationship for life,” Dingyadi said.

He also reminisced about how the late statesman hosted a delegation of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) journalists during the turbaning of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.

“During the dinner, we all benefited from Alhaji’s wealth of experience. Even the leader of the delegation, Hilary Anderson, publicly acknowledged the gesture and said she had learnt many things she never knew despite living in London,” he added.

Dingyadi described the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a man who loved and helped people without discrimination, shunned propaganda, rejected selfishness and remained courageous throughout his life.

“Since the demise of Sarkin Yakin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Koko, Tsoho Mafara and Muhammadu Bature, I have not seen a man who carried the burden of his people with such sincerity as late Sardaunan Sokoto.

“He opened his doors to everyone. On one occasion, he instructed his aide to grant me unrestricted access to him at all times. Anyone who was not close to him could never fully appreciate the depth of his character,” Dingyadi said.

He noted that the late elder statesman fondly called him “Yusufu,” a name he always used affectionately, reflecting his cheerful disposition, humility and respect for others.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

Before his ministerial appointments, he built a distinguished career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in key ministries, including Trade, Finance and National Planning.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions during a challenging period in Nigeria’s economic history.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna of Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers and associates, who described him as a disciplined administrator, accomplished economist and patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of integrity and selfless service will endure for generations.

His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, Abubakar Dasuki and several serving and former ministers, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.

By Tubonemi Monday

The planned 2026 election into the executive committee of the Plateau State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has been thrown into uncertainty following the resignation of members of the reconstituted Credentials Committee and the withdrawal of contestants from the race.
The development has stalled the electoral process, with the Chapel now left without an electoral committee to conduct the exercise, barely days to the scheduled election.
Findings indicate that the crisis was triggered by allegations of undue interference in the electoral process, a situation that reportedly prompted some aspirants to withdraw their candidacies over concerns about the credibility of the exercise.
Shortly after the withdrawals, members of the Credentials Committee also stepped down, a move that has further compounded the uncertainty surrounding the election and heightened anxiety among members of the Chapel.
The unfolding events have sparked concerns over the independence of the Correspondents’ Chapel, with stakeholders warning that any attempt to influence its internal democratic process could undermine the credibility of the institution and erode members’ confidence in its leadership.
The Plateau State Correspondents’ Chapel, like its counterparts across the country, has traditionally conducted elections through a member-driven process anchored on transparency and fairness. However, the latest developments have raised questions over whether those principles are being upheld.
As the crisis deepens, members are demanding an immediate resolution, including the reconstitution of the electoral committee and the commencement of a fresh process capable of producing a credible, transparent and widely accepted election free from external influence.

The Igbo Youth League (IYL) has accused the media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, of placing personal political interests above the collective aspirations of the Igbo people, alleging that he has chosen “Atiku’s crumbs” over the interests of the South-East.

The group, in a statement issued on Thursday, alleged that Ibe’s recent political engagements and public comments were inconsistent with the quest for greater political inclusion and equity for the Igbo nation.

According to the league, Ibe’s continued defence of Atiku Abubakar and his political agenda amounts to a betrayal of the aspirations of many Igbos who believe the South-East deserves stronger representation in Nigeria’s leadership.

The youth organisation claimed that political appointments and personal benefits should not take precedence over the broader interests of the region, urging Igbo political actors to remain committed to advancing the collective cause of the South-East rather than individual ambitions.

The league further warned that history would judge public figures who, in its view, sacrifice regional interests for personal political gain.

It called on Igbo leaders, professionals and youths to remain united in pursuing justice, fairness and political inclusion, insisting that no individual should undermine the region’s collective voice for temporary political advantage.

Paul Ibe, a long-time spokesman and media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has consistently defended his principal’s political positions and recently criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over issues of governance, security and the economy.

As of the time of filing this report, Paul Ibe had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the Igbo Youth League.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has empowered more than 80 young Nigerians through the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF) 2026,.

MAELF is a week-long leadership and capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with leadership skills, mentorship, professional networks and startup support for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader national development.

The week-long residential fellowship, initiated and fully sponsored by Dr. Abdullahi through the DAM Foundation in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, brought together carefully selected young Nigerians from across the country for an intensive programme focused on leadership, energy policy, entrepreneurship, innovation, governance and sustainable development.

The fellows arrived in Abuja on Sunday and commenced activities on Monday, participating in six days of lectures, policy dialogues, mentorship sessions, panel discussions, innovation workshops, team projects and networking engagements before the programme culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on Friday.

Designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and national development, the fellowship exposed participants to practical knowledge and emerging opportunities within Nigeria’s energy ecosystem while equipping them with the skills, values and networks required to drive innovation, promote sustainable development and provide responsible leadership in their various fields.

Throughout the programme, participants interacted with senior government officials, policymakers, development experts, academics and private sector leaders who shared practical insights on leadership, governance, innovation, public service, youth development and Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

Among the distinguished personalities who delivered lectures and participated in interactive sessions with the fellows were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu; and the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dayo Israel, alongside other accomplished professionals, public officials and development experts.

The fellowship climaxed on Friday with the presentation of certificates and an empowerment package valued at over ₦17 million, including startup grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million awarded to outstanding fellows to support innovative ideas, enterprise development and community-based initiatives.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abdullahi said the vision behind the fellowship was to nurture a new generation of ethical, competent, innovative and visionary leaders capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“As I look around this hall today, I see not just graduates of a fellowship programme; I see ambassadors of hope, innovators in waiting, solution providers and future architects of Nigeria’s energy future,” he said.

He commended the fellows for their discipline, resilience, commitment to learning and ability to build friendships across regional, ethnic and religious divides throughout the programme.

“You came here with curiosity. You embraced learning with humility. You challenged ideas respectfully, built friendships across regions and backgrounds, collaborated with one another and demonstrated that the Nigerian youth, when given the right opportunity, possess limitless potential,” he said.

Abdullahi urged the participants to make integrity, excellence and service the defining principles of their leadership journey.

“Certificates may open doors, but character sustains leadership. Knowledge may create opportunities, but integrity preserves them. Influence may attract followers, but service is what builds lasting legacies,” he stated.

He stressed that the energy sector extends beyond electricity generation and infrastructure, describing it as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

“The energy sector is not merely about electricity, solar panels, gas, hydrogen, batteries or infrastructure. It is fundamentally about people. It is about improving lives, reducing poverty, creating opportunities, empowering industries, strengthening healthcare, enhancing education and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s energy transition requires courageous leadership, innovation, ethical professionals and strategic thinkers willing to place national interest above personal ambition.

“I therefore charge each of you to become advocates of sustainable development, ambassadors of clean energy, champions of innovation, and examples of transformational leadership wherever life takes you. This Fellowship must never become a certificate that gathers dust on your shelf. It must become a responsibility you carry in your heart,” he said.

He also encouraged the participants to sustain the relationships established during the fellowship, collaborate across disciplines and continue developing practical solutions to national challenges, noting that the conclusion of the programme marked the beginning of a lifelong network of leaders committed to national transformation.

The successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the DAM Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and human capital investment.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for future editions as Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi continues to invest in raising a new generation of ethical, innovative and solution-driven leaders equipped to advance Nigeria’s energy transition and contribute meaningfully to national development.