By Usman Umar
YOLA — The Coalition For A Better Adamawa (CBA), in partnership with the Public Sparkers Network of Africa (PSNA), on Saturday conferred a high-profile Award of Excellence on Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, former Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in recognition of his trailblazing contributions to Nigeria’s energy transformation and his exceptional service to Adamawa State.
The colourful event, held at the Bridgewood Hotel, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, drew influential personalities from across the state’s political, academic, traditional and professional sectors.
Representing the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Mohammed Sadiq (Bala Kalu), applauded Engr. Salihijo’s visionary leadership, describing him as one of the state’s brightest exports.
> “Adamawa is proud of Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad. His achievements at the national level reflect depth, character, and patriotism. This honour is well deserved,” the Governor declared through his representative.
Renowned academic, Professor Abba Tahir, delivered a glowing tribute, hailing Engr. Ahmad as an “illustrious son of Adamawa State, a worthy ambassador of Nigeria, and a beacon of hope for Africa’s energy future.”
He highlighted the awardee’s landmark achievements, including the strategic expansion of the Rural Electrification Fund, the deployment of innovative mini-grid power solutions, and his historic coordination of the Solar Power Naija Programme—one of Africa’s most ambitious off-grid electrification initiatives.
Also speaking, Halima Usman Tukur, Coordinator of the Public Sparkers Network of Africa, described Engr. Salihijo as a rare reformer whose work has shaped the country’s clean-energy agenda.
> “His leadership model reflects innovation, humility, and delivery. Nigerian youths should emulate his courage to build sustainable solutions for the nation,” she stated.
Other dignitaries, including Mr. Inuwa Ahmadu Manju and Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed Inuwa, commended Engr. Ahmad’s transformational leadership, noting his legacy of empowering rural communities through clean and affordable energy. They described the honour as “timely, well-earned and inspiring.”
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers and all guests in attendance. He dedicated the award to the hardworking people of Adamawa State and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting inclusive development in the energy sector.
> “This award strengthens my passion to continue contributing to our state and our country. May peace and progress continue to flourish in Adamawa and in Nigeria,” he prayed.
The ceremony was graced by top government officials, including Alhaji Ibrahim Buba, Permanent Secretary, SSG’s Office; Mr. Dogara Paul Musa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Energy Development; royal fathers from across the state; and a host of distinguished guests from civil society and academia.
PIONEER NEWS 