By Tony Ezike
Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has been appointed as a Member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN), in recognition of her exemplary leadership, integrity, and commitment to advancing science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The appointment was conveyed in an official letter dated May 1, 2026, and signed by the President of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, FSESN. According to the Society, Senator Ekwunife’s vast experience in public service and her impressive track record in promoting national development make her a valuable addition to the organization’s highest governing body.
SESN stated that the appointment reflects its confidence in Senator Ekwunife’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the Society’s mission of promoting sustainable energy solutions and accelerating the adoption of solar and renewable energy technologies across the country.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, Senator Ekwunife will provide strategic guidance and oversight for the Society, safeguard its mission and objectives, support initiatives in solar energy research, education, advocacy and deployment, ensure compliance with the Society’s constitution, and participate in key policy decisions aimed at advancing renewable energy development in Nigeria.
The appointment took effect from April 15, 2026, and will run for an initial period of two years, subject to the provisions of the Society’s constitution.
In a formal acceptance dated May 11, 2026, Senator Ekwunife accepted the appointment and pledged to discharge her responsibilities faithfully in accordance with the constitution and ideals of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria.
Founded in 1980, the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria is one of the country’s foremost professional organizations dedicated to the promotion and utilization of solar and renewable energy technologies. Through advocacy, research, policy engagement, professional collaboration, and public enlightenment initiatives such as the National Solar Energy Forum (NASEF), the Society has remained at the forefront of Nigeria’s renewable energy advancement.
Senator Ekwunife’s appointment is further reinforced by her outstanding contributions to science, technology, and innovation during her tenure as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation in the 9th National Assembly. In that capacity, she played a pivotal role in strengthening the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), championing legislative and policy measures that secured first-line charge funding for the agency from the Federation Account, thereby enhancing its capacity to drive technological innovation and industrial development in Nigeria.
Her appointment to the SESN Board of Trustees is a deserving recognition of her enduring commitment to national development and her proven ability to champion transformative initiatives. Stakeholders believe her wealth of experience will further strengthen the Society’s efforts to expand renewable energy access, promote sustainable energy policies, and support Nigeria’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
