Key points
- The APC National Youth Wing has launched a ₦17.5 million grant for renewable energy innovators.
- The fund will support participants in the Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship.
- The fellowship aims to equip young professionals with skills in renewable energy and energy policy.
- Organisers say the initiative will advance youth participation in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Main story
The National Youth Wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a ₦17.5 million grant programme to support young Nigerians developing renewable energy solutions, as part of efforts to promote innovation and expand youth participation in the country’s clean energy transition.
The grant was unveiled in Abuja during the opening of the Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF), a seven-day residential programme designed to equip young professionals with technical, leadership and policy skills for the energy sector.
APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, said the grant, funded by Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would provide financial support to outstanding fellows developing renewable energy businesses and projects capable of addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
According to him, the fellowship aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s clean energy agenda by preparing young Nigerians to contribute to the country’s energy transformation through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Israel said participants would receive training in renewable energy technologies, climate action, energy transition policies, leadership and governance while engaging with key institutions such as the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Rural Electrification Agency.
He explained that the programme would also connect fellows with regulators and government agencies to help them secure partnerships, mentorship and institutional support needed to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Israel said expanding renewable energy solutions remains critical to improving electricity supply, supporting industrial growth and creating new economic opportunities.
He added that the APC Youth Wing intends to complement government investments in the power sector by encouraging youth-led enterprises capable of delivering sustainable energy solutions.
One of the fellows and Co-founder of Fosun Solar Energy Nigeria Limited, Nafisat Ovurebu, described the programme as a timely initiative, noting that Nigeria’s energy challenge is driven more by weaknesses in generation, transmission, distribution and financing than by a lack of renewable energy resources.
She expressed confidence that the fellowship and grant would enable young entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions that strengthen energy security, improve agricultural productivity and support economic development.
The issues
Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy will require greater investment in innovation, skilled professionals and renewable energy enterprises. Youth-focused programmes are increasingly being used to encourage entrepreneurship and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy technologies.
What’s being said
“We want to support the President’s vision for improved power generation and distribution while bringing new players into the energy ecosystem.” — Dayo Israel, APC National Youth Leader
What’s next
Successful fellows are expected to receive funding, mentorship and institutional support to develop renewable energy projects, while the fellowship continues to build a pipeline of young professionals for Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.
Bottom line
The APC Youth Wing’s grant and fellowship programme seeks to combine funding, training and partnerships to encourage youth-led innovation in renewable energy and support Nigeria’s long-term energy transition.
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