Dr. Ahmed receives Special Recognition Award for excellence in power energy development
The Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Katsina State on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, has been honoured by The Progressives Media with a Special Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to the power and energy sector and his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Katsina State.
The recognition, presented recently in Abuja, formed part of the 100 Most Influential Progressives Award 2026, organised by The Progressives Magazine and The Progressives Media.
Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed was specifically recognised with the Energy and Power Excellence Award, in recognition of his leadership, contributions to the power and energy sector, and efforts towards promoting sustainable energy solutions and economic development.
The award citation acknowledged his exceptional leadership and dedication to driving sustainable energy solutions that empower communities and contribute to economic growth in Katsina State and Nigeria.
A separate Award of Excellence in Public Service & Energy Development was also presented to Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed in recognition of his outstanding commitment, exemplary public service, and remarkable contributions to the advancement of the power and energy sector in Katsina State.
The recognitions come against the backdrop of significant interventions and reforms being pursued by the Katsina State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, in its determination to address the State’s longstanding energy challenges and establish a more sustainable and diversified energy ecosystem.
Under the Radda administration, Katsina State has significantly expanded its focus beyond conventional grid electricity by investing in solar power, battery energy storage, wind energy, hydropower, clean transportation, CNG infrastructure and other renewable energy initiatives. The State is also developing an integrated approach that links energy access with agriculture, education, healthcare, public administration, transportation, digital development and economic empowerment.
Among the major initiatives is the deployment of 20.1MWp of Solar PV capacity with 10.1MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems across 11 critical government facilities, which account for approximately 93.7 per cent of the State Government’s monthly electricity consumption expenditure. The intervention is designed to significantly reduce dependence on conventional grid supply, improve reliability, reduce energy costs and provide cleaner power to essential public institutions.
The State is also advancing the development and rehabilitation of renewable energy assets, including the 10MW Lambar Rimi Wind Farm, with plans for hybridisation through additional solar generation; the 1MW Danja Mini Hydropower Project, being supported through financing from the French Treasury; and studies for solar installations at strategic water infrastructure including Danja, Ajiwa, Zobe and Funtua Dams.
In the area of clean mobility, the State Government is implementing a 500-unit Solar-Powered Electric Tricycle (Keke EV) initiative, which combines clean transportation with youth skills development and local assembly. Two batches of youths from across the Local Government Areas of the State have already been trained and engaged in the assembly and technical aspects of the electric vehicles.
The administration is equally pursuing investments in CNG infrastructure, including the development of an L-CNG facility, while exploring the use of clean energy technologies to support agriculture, public infrastructure and productive economic activities.
Beyond infrastructure, the Department of Power and Energy has also been working to strengthen the State’s energy planning architecture through the development of an Integrated Resource Plan, while building strategic partnerships with development institutions, international partners, private investors and technical organisations to mobilise financing and expertise for the State’s energy transition.
The Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, expressed appreciation to His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, for his leadership, confidence, guidance and unwavering support for the transformation of the power and energy sector.
He noted that the recognition should not be viewed as a personal achievement but as an acknowledgement of the collective efforts of the Katsina State Government and the professionals, institutions, development partners and stakeholders working to implement the administration’s energy agenda.
According to him, the Governor’s political will has provided the enabling environment for the State to pursue ambitious energy projects while maintaining a strong emphasis on prudence, technical due diligence, sustainability and value for money.
The Special Adviser further dedicated the recognition to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, and the entire team working to deliver the State’s energy transformation agenda, stressing that the ultimate reward is the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of the people of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Government remains committed to building an energy system that is reliable, affordable, sustainable and capable of supporting economic growth, while positioning the State as a leading destination for renewable energy investment and innovation.
The recognition by The Progressives Media is therefore regarded as an encouragement to sustain the momentum and further strengthen the State’s commitment to innovative energy solutions, responsible public service and people-centred development.
