By Abubakar Muhammad Adamu
The Coalition for a Better Adamawa (CBA), a dynamic civil society movement committed to promoting good governance, inspiring leadership, and fostering community development, has announced its inaugural Outstanding Personality Award, set to take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Bridgewood Hotel (formerly Lelewal), Jimeta–Yola, Adamawa State.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Yola, Mr. Mohammad Bello Mohammad, Chairman of CBA, said the award is designed to recognize excellence, reward integrity, and encourage transformational leadership across Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.
“This event marks a historic milestone for CBA,” he said. “Our mission is simple yet powerful: to celebrate individuals whose actions inspire hope, integrity, and responsible leadership. Our vision is a peaceful, united, and progressive Adamawa, where leaders lead with purpose, and citizens act with responsibility.”
The maiden award will honor Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, former Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in recognition of his exemplary contributions to renewable energy, national infrastructure, climate-friendly initiatives, and community empowerment.
Engr. Salihijo, described as a visionary leader and national asset, has played a pivotal role in expanding energy access across Nigeria through several groundbreaking initiatives.
He spearheaded the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), deploying solar mini-grids and home systems in underserved communities, and expanded the Rural Electrification Fund, implementing hundreds of renewable-energy projects nationwide.
He also advanced the Energizing Education Programme, providing electricity to universities and teaching hospitals, and coordinated the Solar Power Naija Programme, attracting significant investments from institutions such as the NSIA and NNPC.
Notably, he championed Nigeria’s Sovereign Green Bond Programme, delivering Africa’s first-ever sovereign green bond and setting a continental benchmark for climate-smart development.
Mr. Mohammad highlighted the lasting impact of Engr. Salihijo’s work in Adamawa State, noting the installation of solar-powered schools, hospitals, boreholes, rural electrification projects, and support for small businesses, demonstrating how transformational leadership can tangibly improve lives.
“The CBA Maiden Award Ceremony is more than a celebration; it is a platform dedicated to honoring character, humility, discipline, and commitment to nation-building,” he stated. “Engr. Salihijo exemplifies these qualities, and his recognition is both deliberate and symbolic.”
The Coalition for a Better Adamawa, in partnership with the Public Speakers Network of Africa (PSNA), has invited the general public, civil society organizations, and media practitioners to attend the prestigious event scheduled for 10:00 am on December 6, 2025.
For more information about the CBA 2025 Maiden Award Ceremony, interested persons are encouraged to contact this contacts: 0814 014 6030, 0704 566 6199