Senator Uche Ekwunife Bags Prestigious Solar Energy Society Fellowship Award

The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) has conferred its Fellowship of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN) 2026 award on former Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, in recognition of her contributions to public service, sustainable development and the advancement of access to energy.

Ekwunife, a two-time senator and former member of the House of Representatives, was honoured for her contributions to society, professional accomplishments and public service, which earned her recognition from the professional body.

The fellowship, according to the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, is reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional leadership, professional achievements, service to humanity and contributions to the development of renewable energy and sustainable development.

The society said Ekwunife was particularly recognised for her support for initiatives aimed at improving solar energy society, encouraging sustainable development and strengthening institutions and communities.

In its citation, the society noted that during her time in public office, Ekwunife demonstrated interest in the development of educational institutions and other initiatives with the potential to improve the quality of life of citizens.

The organisation also recalled her engagement with the institution, noting that she had visited the establishment, attracted facilities and expressed willingness to support its development further.

With the conferment, Ekwunife has joined the league of distinguished individuals who have been admitted as Fellows of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria.

The society described her as a friend and supporter of the institution and commended her record of public service and commitment to initiatives capable of contributing to national development.

Among other prominent Nigerians who had received the fellowship in Anambra State are the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, and Igwe Lazarus Ekwueme, among others.

In a letter inviting Ekwunife to the conferment ceremony, titled “Conferment of Fellowship of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN) 2026,” the President of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, Sunny Akpoyibo, said the fellowship represents one of the society’s highest professional recognitions.

The letter stated that the honour is bestowed only on distinguished individuals whose exceptional leadership, outstanding achievements and significant contributions have advanced solar and renewable energy, sustainable development, research, innovation, public service and national progress.

According to the society, the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria is a professional organisation committed to promoting the development and widespread utilisation of solar and other renewable energy technologies in Nigeria.

The society said the award to Ekwunife was in recognition of her “visionary leadership, commitment to sustainable development, and remarkable contributions toward advancing renewable energy initiatives.”

It added that particular consideration was given to her support for solar-energy deployment, efforts aimed at improving energy access, stimulating economic development and promoting environmental sustainability.

“The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria commends your unwavering commitment to policies and projects that advance renewable energy development and improve the quality of life of citizens,” the letter stated.

The society further said Ekwunife’s accomplishments could serve as an inspiration to policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and the next generation of renewable-energy professionals.

“In recognition of these outstanding achievements and contributions, the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria is pleased to formally confer upon you the title of Fellow of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN),” it added.

Receiving the award, Ekwunife expressed appreciation to the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria for considering her worthy of the fellowship.

She described the recognition as an honour she would neither take lightly nor for granted, stressing that recognition came with a renewed commitment to service.

According to her, greater recognition also brings greater responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society.

She recalled an occasion when she was approached for assistance by the institution, saying she responded by providing computers to support its activities.

“A few years ago, somebody called me saying that the institution needed some computers, and I provided them. I will continue to give the institution any support that I can,” she said.

Ekwunife urged the management of the institution to prioritise the training and development of younger people, stressing that investment in education remains an investment in the future.

She also pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote education, human-capital development, renewable energy and other areas that can improve the welfare of citizens.

“I believe that any investment in education is an investment in the future. We must continue to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

Ekwunife’s political career includes service in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, where she represented Anambra Central.

She later became the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.

The APC ticket contested the November 8, 2025, governorship election, which was won by the incumbent, Professor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Ekwunife subsequently congratulated Soludo on his re-election and called for continued commitment to the peace, unity and development of Anambra State.

Ekwunife, who has remained active in public affairs following her tenure in the National Assembly, said her continued engagement would be focused on initiatives that promote development and improve the lives of the people.

She urged the management of the institution not to hesitate to seek her assistance whenever there are areas in which she can make a meaningful contribution.
The conferment therefore places Ekwunife among the distinguished Nigerians recognised by the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria for contributions extending beyond partisan politics to issues of education, sustainable development, renewable energy and public service.