The Coalition for a Better Adamawa (CBA), in partnership with the Public Speakers Network of Africa (PSNA), has honoured former Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad with Outstanding Personality Award, describing him as a reformer whose projects continue to benefit communities years after implementation.
At the maiden Outstanding Personality Award organized by the Coalition for a Better Adamawa (CBA) at Bridwood Hotel, formerly Lelewal Hotel, in Yola, community members, Traditional and Political Leaders as well as beneficiaries, shared testimonials on how Salihijo’s interventions in solar electrification are still improving lives long after his tenure.
The Public Speakers Network of Africa (PSNA), represented by its coordinator Halima Usman, described the honour as a continental affirmation.
She said the their research into Ahmad’s work showed visible impact through access to electricity, empowerment of widows and orphans, youth mentorship, and the transformation of energy policy into human dignity.
In a keynote address, Dr. Inuwa Manju saluted Ahmad Salihijo for his numerous developmental initiatives, which he said had positively impacted citizens.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of CBA, Eng. Sadiq Muhammad Inuwa, said the award forms part of its campaign to strengthen civic engagement, promote accountability, and celebrate individuals contributing meaningfully to development.
After receiving the Outstanding Personality Award, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad expressed profound emotion over the impact of his work.
He noted that meeting beneficiaries in person for the first time and hearing their testimonies made him realize the tangible difference his solar electrification projects have made in communities across Adamawa State.
The former MD of the REA emphasized that the recognition was not merely for him, but for the communities that benefited from the projects.
He reflected on the deliberate effort required to ensure interventions reached the people who genuinely needed them, noting that many areas face serious development challenges.
Seeing the positive outcomes of his initiatives, Engr. Salihijo expressed deep satisfaction that these efforts had improved access to electricity and transformed daily life.
“Beyond powering homes, the electricity projects support businesses, enhance social life, and provide opportunities for education and economic growth,” Salihijo noted.
He underscored the importance of sustaining such initiatives to continue empowering communities and improving quality of life.
In a goodwill message, the Member representing Mayo-Belwa Constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Musa Mahmud Kallamu, expressed pride in Engr. Ahmad Salihijo’s achievements, noting the transformational impact of his electrification projects on the community.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Mallam Abubakar Salihu, recalled meeting Engr. Salihijo in 2021 when local rice mills and grain processors relied on diesel and petrol to power their machines.
He highlighted that the solar power grids and mini-grids provided under Salihijo’s leadership have been impactful and helpful, improving electricity access, supporting businesses, and benefiting households.
The Executive Secretary added that both local communities and outside organisations have recognised his excellent service and prayed for more leaders of his calibre.
Beneficiaries of Salihijo’s initiatives, including Musa Baba Bare from Numan, lauded the former REA MD for providing reliable mini-grid electricity that has transformed daily life and economic activities in their areas.
Mallam Salihu Mubi emphasized that communities are aligned with recognising Salihijo’s contributions, wishing that his legacy inspires other leaders to serve in similar capacities and continue to positively impact other communities across Adamawa State.
The award was presented to the celebrant by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sadiq Muhammad.
A citation of the celebrant was read by Professor Abba Tahir.