Shell Companies in Nigeria on Tuesday hosted a sendforth for outgoing *Country Chair and Executive Vice President, Marno de Jong, as *Elohor Aiboni* returns from a foreign posting to take over the role.
The event, attended by government officials, industry stakeholders and professional bodies, celebrated Marno’s more than six years leading Shell businesses in Nigeria.
In a recorded message, Shell plc CEO, Wael Sawan, described Marno’s leadership style as “admirable” and thanked him for his contributions to the company.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole*, said Shell’s investments during his tenure aligned with the Federal Government’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*.
NNPC Ltd GCEO, Bayo Ojulari, represented by EVP Upstream, Udobong Ntia, lauded Marno for advancing gas development in Nigeria.
“We look forward to the next chapter of Shell to deepen our strategic partnership,” Ojulari said.
Key achievements under Marno include the divestment from onshore oil to Renaissance, sustained production at Bonga which hit one billion barrels, and the progress of Bonga North and HI projects.
Colleagues described him as a leader “who led from his heart.”
Shell President Upstream, Peter Costello, said Marno “understands the technical detail, the commercial choices, and most importantly, the value of people and relationships.”
Other speakers included former Country Chair Osagie Okunbor, SNEPCo MD Ronald Adams, Shell Nigeria Gas MD Ralph Gbobo*, and GM Deepwater Iyke Nnoaham.
The highlight of the sendforth was the formal handover of the leadership baton from Marno to Elohor with guests applauding the emergence of the first female leader of Shell’s businesses in Nigeria. Elohor said: “The hard work starts now, and I look forward to the exciting years ahead.”
Speaking, Marno thanked stakeholders, including government officials, regulatory bodies, and employees of Shell for their cooperation, as well his wife Anne-Marie, and their children for their support
He said : “Nigeria taught me many things. It taught me patience. It taught me resilience. It taught me the importance of listening. And above all, it reinforced my belief that progress happens when people come together around a shared purpose.”
Captains of industry turned out to bid Marno farewell.They include Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited Adeleye Falade, Chief Executive Officer, Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited, Elozino Olaniyan, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Jagir Baxi and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel and Chairman, Independent Petroleum Producers Group, Adegbite Falade.