NYCN Hails Energy Commission DG for Youth-Centred Vision, Commends Tinubu on Strategic Appointment
NYCN Hails Energy Commission DG for Youth-Centred Vision, Commends Tinubu on Strategic Appointment
Lokoja — The President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Babangida Onimisi Isah, has praised the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, for what he described as visionary, inclusive, and youth-focused leadership since assuming office.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the NYCN president and made available to journalists in Lokoja. In the statement, the youth leader highlighted what he termed a clear departure from bureaucratic inertia, noting that the ECN under Dr. Abdullahi has begun to exhibit renewed dynamism and strategic clarity within a relatively short period.
According to Babangida, Dr. Abdullahi’s tenure has been marked by uncommon competence and deliberate innovation, particularly in repositioning the Energy Commission of Nigeria as a pivotal institution aligned with the country’s energy transition agenda and long-term sustainable development objectives. He described the current leadership at the ECN as both responsive and reform-oriented, capable of translating policy frameworks into actionable outcomes.
Repositioning the Energy Commission
The NYCN president observed that the energy sector occupies a critical intersection in Nigeria’s development trajectory, influencing industrial growth, job creation, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. In this context, he noted that Dr. Abdullahi’s approach reflects an acute awareness of both national priorities and global energy realities.
“Within a short time, the Director-General has demonstrated an ability to combine technical expertise with administrative foresight,” the statement read. “This has enabled the Energy Commission of Nigeria to begin repositioning itself as a strategic driver of Nigeria’s energy transition, with renewed emphasis on renewable energy, research, and innovation.”
Babangida further stated that the Commission’s emerging focus on clean and sustainable energy solutions resonates strongly with the aspirations of young Nigerians, many of whom are seeking opportunities in technology-driven and environmentally responsible sectors.
Youth Engagement and Inclusive Leadership
Central to the NYCN’s commendation was Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership style, which Babangida described as inclusive, consultative, and deliberately open to youth participation. He noted that the DG’s willingness to engage young professionals, researchers, and innovators signals a break from exclusionary governance models that have historically limited youth involvement in critical policy spaces.
According to the statement, the emphasis on research and innovation within the Commission reflects a leadership philosophy that values evidence-based policymaking and long-term planning over short-term fixes. Babangida argued that this orientation is particularly significant at a time when Nigeria faces complex energy challenges ranging from access and affordability to sustainability and climate resilience.
“The openness to youth engagement and the deliberate prioritisation of innovation demonstrate a deep understanding of the demographic realities of Nigeria,” Babangida said. “Young people are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are essential partners in designing and implementing solutions.”
Commendation of Presidential Appointment
The NYCN president also extended commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Abdullahi as Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, describing the decision as an example of merit-based leadership selection under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Babangida characterised the appointment as “a round peg in a round hole,” noting that it reflects the President’s resolve to entrust critical national institutions to individuals with both technical capacity and a forward-looking mindset.
He stated that the choice of Dr. Abdullahi sends a strong signal about the administration’s commitment to results-driven governance and the elevation of competent professionals who can navigate complex policy environments.
A Symbol of Youth Excellence in Governance
In his remarks, Babangida positioned Dr. Abdullahi as part of a new generation of Nigerian technocrats whose profiles combine global competitiveness with a strong sense of national service. He described the ECN Director-General as a symbol of what is possible when expertise, integrity, and opportunity converge.
“Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi represents the new generation of young Nigerian technocrats,” Babangida said. “He is globally competitive, intellectually grounded, and deeply committed to national development. His leadership exemplifies youth excellence in governance.”
The statement further described Dr. Abdullahi as a worthy ambassador of the Renewed Hope Initiative, particularly within the strategic energy sector, which the NYCN identified as central to Nigeria’s economic growth, industrialisation, and employment generation.
According to Babangida, energy policy remains a foundational pillar for unlocking value across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, digital services, and small-scale enterprises. He argued that effective leadership in this space has direct implications for youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
Call for Greater National Responsibilities
Beyond commendation, the NYCN president suggested that Dr. Abdullahi’s performance positions him for even greater national responsibilities. He noted that the Director-General’s capacity and vision align closely with the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas related to innovation, sustainability, and youth-focused development.
“The NYCN firmly believes that Dr. Abdullahi’s vision and performance qualify him for expanded responsibilities in advancing national development goals,” Babangida said. “His work in the energy sector demonstrates the kind of leadership needed to drive youth-inclusive policies and sustainable growth.”
He added that the Energy Commission’s current trajectory, if sustained, could serve as a model for other public institutions seeking to integrate young people into governance and policy execution in meaningful ways.
Youth Support and Partnership
In a clear declaration of support, Babangida stated that Nigerian youths stand “solidly and unreservedly” behind Dr. Abdullahi. He reaffirmed the NYCN’s confidence in the ECN Director-General’s leadership and pledged continued collaboration between the Council and the Commission.
According to the statement, such partnership would be aimed at building a resilient, sustainable, and youth-driven energy future for Nigeria—one that leverages local innovation while remaining responsive to global energy trends.
The NYCN president emphasised that youth organisations are prepared to play constructive roles in policy advocacy, community engagement, and innovation ecosystems that support national energy objectives.
Renewed Hope and the Energy Future
The statement concluded with renewed praise for President Tinubu’s appointment of Dr. Abdullahi, describing it as an inspired decision consistent with the administration’s stated reform agenda. Babangida encouraged the ECN Director-General to remain steadfast in his service to the nation and to continue prioritising policies that integrate youth perspectives into energy planning and implementation.
“Once again, we applaud Mr. President for this inspired appointment,” Babangida said. “We also encourage Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi to remain committed, focused, and responsive as he works to strengthen Nigeria’s energy architecture in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with energy access, sustainability, and economic transformation, the NYCN’s endorsement underscores growing expectations that leadership within key institutions will not only deliver technical solutions but also cultivate inclusive pathways for the country’s youthful population.