Mohammed Shosanya

The Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor,has been recognised for his invaluable contributions to the Nigerian energy sector and his service to humanity.

He received the Award for Exemplary Leadership and Service to Humanity from a Lagos-based NGO, Heritage for Life Foundation, at a ceremony held in Lagos.

A Director of the Foundation, and former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo, handed out the award which he said was instituted to promote “moral qualities and attitudes pivotal to the growth of a stable and functional society” by recognising individuals who exbibit the virtues.

Okunbor said: “I’m pleased at this recognition which calls for greater commitment to the highest standards of leadership and service to humanity. With the support of my colleagues and other stakeholders, I hope to continue to contribute to the development of our country.”

The award from the foundation was the second bestowed on the longest serving Country Chair of Shell companies in Nigeria in the past month.

At the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Okunbor was conferred with the Diamond Ambassador of Brand Nigeria as part of NIPR’s Diamond Jubilee National Awards.

Presenting the award, the NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Ike Neliaku, noted that Okunbor earned the award having demonstrated exceptional leadership as Chairman of the largest energy company in Nigeria that had made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria in more than seven decades.

Okunbor’s contributions to the energy sector are the highlights of a career in Shell which has seen him serve in Nigeria, the UK, Brunei and the Netherlands before his appointment as Managing Director, SPDC and Country Chair in 2015.

In May, the executive council of the Nigerian Gas Association recognised Okunbor for outstanding contributions towards the advancement of Nigeria’s gas sector.

Mohammed Shosanya

Access Bank has been recognised as the ‘Best Trade Partner Bank West Africa 2024’ by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The award was presented at the Global Trade Partners Meeting (GTPM), held recently, in Barcelona, Spain,a statement said on Monday,adding that the development highlights Access Bank’s outstanding performance and commitment to fostering trade finance across the continent.

The GTPM, organised by the IFC, is one of the most significant events in the global trade finance industry, and is known for its unique footprint due to IFC’s extensive reach and client base in emerging markets.

The 2024 event marked the 20th anniversary of IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program and attracted a record number of delegates, featuring prominent speakers and panellists, who provided valuable insights into the global trade landscape.

Seyi Kumapayi,Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, said, “We are honoured to receive this award from IFC, which is a testament to our relentless efforts in leveraging our extensive network across Africa to scale trade opportunities between the continent and the rest of the world. Access Bank remains committed to facilitating trade that drives economic growth and prosperity for our stakeholders and the regions we serve.”

According to the statement,representing Access Bank at the GTPM were Sunmbo Olatunji, Group Head, Treasury; Tosin Olatunji, Group Head, Corporate Operations; Seun Olufeko, Group Head Project and Structured Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking Division (CIBD); Oluchukwu Kalu, Team Member PSF, CIBD; and Rowly Isioro, Head, Trade and Global Transaction Banking (Africa). Isioro also participated in a panel discussion titled ‘IFC: 20 Years in Trade, Partnerships and Perspectives.’

Speaking on the panel, he addressed the importance of building resilient trade finance systems in emerging markets and how the IFC Global Trade Finance Programme has evolved over the years, from IFC providing guarantees for letters of credit to accommodate other trade instruments like promissory notes and green trade or climate-friendly transactions.

“Africa is ripe for partnerships that can drive substantial economic growth,” Isioro said.

“At Access Bank, we are dedicated to developing innovative solutions that tackle the unique challenges faced by African businesses, such as currency volatility and regulatory complexities. y

“By strengthening our trade finance infrastructure, and by leaning on the interconnectivity of our subsidiaries – strategically spread across Africa’s key trade blocs – we aim to facilitate smoother trade flows and empower our clients to seize global opportunities effectively,” he added.

The GTPM Barcelona 2024 featured a three-day programme that saw contributions from internationally renowned speakers such as Marc Auboin, Counsellor at the World Trade Organisation; Alexia Boutin-Somnolet, Lenders’ Solution Leader at Marsh; Gonzalo Gortázar, Chief Executive Officer of CaixaBank, Spain; Nathalie Louat, Global Director, Trade and Supply Chain Finance at IFC; and Paolo Mauro, Director of the Economic and Market Research Department at IFC, amongst others.

The event,which was sponsored by Access Bank, CaixaBank, amongst other, concluded with a Gala Awards Dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of IFC’s Global Trade Finance Programme and honouring its high-performing trade finance partners.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe has won the Champion Newspapers’ Most Outstanding Regulator of the Year Award.

He was conferred with the honour during the newspaper’s annual awards ceremony held at the Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Conferring the award on Komolafe,the Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), South East Zone ,Lady Ada Chukwudozie said the awardee has distinguished himself as an exceptional Nigerian for his invaluable contribution to Nigeria’s economic development, especially in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

She noted that Komolafe is driving sustainable economic growth and development of the country and has consistently demonstrated his dedication to fostering a conducive environment for responsible exploration and production activities.

She described NUPRC as a model to other regulatory bodies in Nigeria and Africa, for its outstanding service delivery and economic growth enhancement.

Responding, Komolafe who was represented at the ceremony by NUPRC, Regional Director Lagos, Dr Paul Osu said the award will spur him to do more for the nation’s oil and gas industry.

In her remarks ,the Group Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers Limited, Dr. Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, lauded the commission for its promotion of sustainable value creation from Nigeria’s Petroleum Resources for shared prosperity.

Dr Iheakanwa stated that NUPRC has become an embodiment of care, providing solutions channeled toward increasing and sustaining wealth.

“Particularly outstanding is the energy and vibrancy exuded by the brand through your firm’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for healthy competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the promotion of a sustainable value creation from Nigeria’s Petroleum Resources for shared wealth”,Iheakanwa added.

..Visits Kenyan President

Mohammed Shosanya

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede,Chairman of Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group, has been honoured with the prestigious African Banker Lifetime Achievement Award.

The accolade was presented at the African Banker Awards gala dinner and awards ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya, on the sidelines of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank,a statement said on Wednesday.

His journey epitomises his dedication to transforming the African banking and financial landscape. His illustrious career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by exceptional leadership and transformative accomplishments.

As the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank from 2002 to 2013, he led the lender’s transformation from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top five banks, extending its presence to nine other African countries and the United Kingdom.

With a vision to democratise wealth creation opportunities for millions in Africa, Aigboje established Coronation Group – a conglomerate encompassing most aspects of investing, lending, and insurance with a presence in Nigeria and other African countries.

Speaking on the award,Aig-Imoukhuede said: “This award honours the collective efforts of over ten thousand talented individuals, mostly Africans whom I have had the privilege to work with throughout my journey. As professionals, recognition spurs us to strive for greater levels of excellence. I am deeply humbled and motivated to continue contributing to Africa’s growth and development.”

“We would like to honour your remarkable career achievements as a leader in Africa. Today, Access Bank stands as a behemoth in African banking. As brilliantly described in your book, “Leaving the Tarmac” Access bank started its life as a third-tier bank, but your visionary leadership, as well as that of the late Herbert Wigwe, transformed it into an institution that commands immense respect and admiration,” said Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher & Managing Director, African Banker.

As part of the celebration of his lifelong contributions to the African financial markets,the statement quoted that Aig-Imoukhuede had the distinct privilege of a visit to His Excellency, President William Ruto, at the state house in Nairobi.

Their discussions centred on strengthening financial markets, enhancing public sector effectiveness, and fostering sustainable economic growth across Africa. This visit exemplifies Aigboje’s belief in the power of collaborative leadership and the pivotal role that strong financial institutions play in driving national development.

Reflecting on the courtesy visit to President William Ruto, Aig-Imoukhuede stated that, “In meeting with President Ruto, I was inspired by our shared commitment to driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development across Africa. Our discussions reinforced the critical role that collaborative leadership and robust financial institutions play in nation-building. I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to create a prosperous future for our continent.”

Aig-Imoukhuede’s impact extends beyond banking. Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and its subsidiaries – the Africa Initiative for Governance, and the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute – Aigboje and his wife, Ofovwe, manage a $100 million family commitment aimed at building Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, transforming public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary healthcare.

His vision for the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP), announced in Davos in 2020, aims to establish 774 world-class primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria, showcasing his dedication to addressing critical societal needs.

Aig-Imoukhuede’s advocacy for sustainable banking practices has left an indelible mark on the financial sector.

As a member of Nigeria’s Bankers’ Committee, he led the adoption of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles in 2012, an initiative that has been emulated by several countries globally.

His leadership in promoting responsible and sustainable business practices underscores the critical role of financial institutions in fostering economic development while protecting the environment.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership was earlier recognised in 2013 when he received the ‘African Banker of the Year’ Award.

Following a decade of accomplishments in banking and beyond, the African Banker Lifetime Achievement Award highlights his enduring commitment to nation-building and sustainable development.

His legacy of transformative leadership, sustainable banking practices, and philanthropic dedication continues to inspire and drive positive change across Africa.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd,Mr. Mele Kyari has won the Champion Newspapers’ 2023 Most Outstanding Energy Icon of the Year.

He was conferred with the honour during the newspaper’s annual awards ceremony held at the Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday,a statement
from Olufemi Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer,
NNPC Limited,said.

The Chairman of the Awards ceremony and Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa,who conferred the award on Kyari,said Kyari has distinguished himself as an exceptional Nigerian for his invaluable contribution to Nigeria’s economic development, especially in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

He said that under Kyari, NNPC Ltd attained profitability, the first time in its over four decades of existence.

Responding after receiving the award, Kyari,who was represented at the ceremony by NNPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye said the award will spur him to do more for the nation’s oil and gas industry.

“In a year that has been full of unprecedented challenges and transformative shift for the oil and gas industry, not only in Nigeria but globally, this award represents the crucial role that NNPC Ltd plays in safeguarding Nigeria’s energy security,” Kyari added.

Earlier in her remarks, the GMD/Editor-in-Chief of the Champion Newspapers Group,Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa said Kyari has distinguished himself as an exceptional Nigerian for his invaluable contribution to Nigeria’s economic development, especially in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

Mohammed Shosanya

Nigeria’s Folashade Adekeye has emerged as the Chairperson, Forum of the Directors of Oil & Gas Training & Vocational Education Institutes of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO).

Adekeye, who is the Director, NNPC Academy, took over from the former chairperson, Mr. Abdelkader Guenone, the Managing Director of the Algerian Petroleum Institute (API), during the second meeting of the Forum, in Abuja, at the weekend.

Adekeye,who heads the NNPC’s oil and gas training arm, brings into the role over 30 years of experience, and is expected to work with her colleagues from APPO Member Countries in order to foster more collaboration towards addressing the challenges of competences, skill gaps, infrastructure, and poor funding in the organization’s training institutions.

According to a statement by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, earlier in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the meeting, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari, represented by Inuwa Danladi, Executive Vice President (Business Services), emphasized the importance of a standardized educational and training approach to meet the changing demands of the oil and gas industry.

In his keynote address, APPO’s Secretary General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, charged the Member Countries to work towards further enhancing collaborative efforts to establish Oil & Gas Centres of Excellence across the African continent.

Dr. Ibrahim, also from Nigeria, said having good knowledge of the Forum’s challenges would enable APPO member countries to make recommendations and provide solutions in areas such as Oil & Gas project funding, technology adoption, and the formation of Africa Energy Bank.

He added that such collaboration by all member countries will guarantee Africa’s energy accessibility, affordability and sustainability, which overall, will strengthen her economies and bring prosperity to its citizens.

Mohammed Shosanya

Dr. Olumide A. Ajayi, Executive Director/CEO of the Africa Leadership Foundation, has been selected by the African Union (AU) to serve on its Reference Group.

This position was advanced in line with Goal 17 of Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 at the 37th Summit of the AU, held earlier in the year with the objective of addressing the high preponderance of Gender Based Violence perpetrated majorly against women in Africa.

According to the AU, the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence in conflict situations and harmful practices will help to bridge the inequality gap between men and women.

The group, which is expected to provide advisory and technical support in drafting and negotiating a Convention for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (C-EVAWG) among member states, comprises leading legal and gender experts on the continent.

The reference group will provide expertise on the text of the draft convention, including addressing contestations, finding consensus and ensuring compliance/alignment with the AU agreement language on issues under discussion.

According to a statement,Dr Ajayi alongside other well meaning experts in the development space across Africa will be steering this group. The group is expected to function until the adoption of the Convention by the Assembly of Heads of States.

Dr. Ajayi is a Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) advocate and expert with pedigree. As Advisor and Consultant to a number of African countries, UN Agencies and inter-governmental Organisations, he has devoted a great amount of professional expertise in the design of performance and accountability framework for some of Africa’s women rights instrument including the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA) and the Additional Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa generally known as the Maputo Protocol.

He will bring to the Reference Group his wealth of experience in gender, development, and inclusive governance.

The reference group is the first of its kind in the global setting and the United Nations (UN) is very keen on supporting its emergence.

Mohammed Shosanya

Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari has won the Energy Times’ GCEO of the Year Award in recognition of his commitment to accountability, transparency, and performance excellence.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Company, Mr. Olufemi Soneye received the award on behalf of the NNPC boss, in a ceremony held at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos on Friday.

According to the Governing Council of Energy Times Award Committee,Kyari’s hardwork has played a significant role in the company’s success and has contributed significantly to the growth of the energy sector in Nigeria.

Kyari said the NNPC Ltd, which has been on transition since the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has been championing the push to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered nation in keeping with its enormous natural endowment with over 209 trillion cubic feet proven natural gas reserves.

Mohammed Shosanya

Ifeanyi Odiaka,a prominent Nigerian businessman,is currently in grief on account of the sudden death of his wife,Stella Ngozi Odiaka.

Mrs. Ngozi Stella Odiaka succumbed to illness at a hospital in Anambra State on Sunday evening, March 24th, 2024, leaving behind a wave of sorrow among her family and loved ones.

She will be buried on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, in her husband’s hometown of Iruoyim Ezinteje Village,Nteje.

Born on September 19th, 1986, in Itu-ukpa Village, Obi-Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Mrs. Stella Ngozi Odiaka was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family.

Ifeanyi and Ngozi exchanged marital vows in 2017,and they were blessed with three beautiful children: Chidiebube Ifeanyi Odiaka (son), Sochukwuma Ifeanyi Odiaka (son), and Chimuzurukeme Ifeanyi Odiaka.

The passing of Mrs. Stella Ngozi Odiaka has left a profound void in the hearts of her husband, children, extended family, and friends. As they navigate through this period of immense loss, they drew strength from cherished memories and the enduring legacy of love and compassion that Mrs. Odiaka leaves behind.

The Odiaka’s family seeks solace in the outpouring of support and condolences from their community and beyond. They remained grateful for the love and prayers extended to them during this difficult period.

The memory of Mrs. Stella Ngozi Odiaka will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her,a statement said.