Tinubu Praises Damilola Ogunbiyi After Historic TIME Earth Award Win
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded Damilola Ogunbiyi following her historic recognition as the first Nigerian to receive the TIME Earth Award 2026, a prestigious global honour celebrating excellence in climate leadership and sustainable development.
The award highlights Ogunbiyi’s outstanding contributions to advancing clean energy, expanding electricity access, and promoting climate solutions across developing nations.
Who is Damilola Ogunbiyi? Global Leader in Sustainable Energy
Damilola Ogunbiyi is a leading international figure in the field of energy and climate policy. She currently serves as:
Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All
United Nations Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All
Co-Chair of UN-Energy
Her work focuses on achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy, particularly in regions that lack adequate electricity infrastructure.
The TIME Earth Award is one of the most prestigious global recognitions for individuals addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.
Recipients are selected based on their:
Impact on climate action
Contributions to clean energy solutions
Leadership in sustainable development
Ogunbiyi’s recognition marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first Nigerian to receive the TIME Earth Award, placing Nigeria on the global map of climate leadership.
President Tinubu described Ogunbiyi’s achievement as a reflection of:
Professional excellence
Strong leadership in the energy sector
Nigeria’s growing global influence
He noted that her recognition highlights Nigeria’s role in shaping international conversations around climate change and sustainable energy.
Damilola Ogunbiyi’s Impact on Clean Energy in Nigeria and Beyond
Ogunbiyi has played a critical role in advancing renewable energy and electricity access, especially in developing countries.
Her achievements include:
Mobilizing billions of dollars in global energy financing
Supporting energy access initiatives across more than 100 countries
Expanding electricity access to millions of Nigerians
Promoting renewable energy solutions in underserved communities
As former Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, she led initiatives that brought electricity to off-grid communities, helping improve economic opportunities and quality of life.
Nigeria’s Role in Global Climate Leadership
Ogunbiyi’s recognition reinforces Nigeria’s growing role in:
Renewable energy development
Climate policy discussions
Sustainable infrastructure investment
Her success demonstrates how African leaders are increasingly shaping global solutions to climate change and energy challenges.
Significance of Ogunbiyi’s Achievement for Africa
The TIME Earth Award win is not just a personal milestone—it represents:
Increased global recognition of African climate leadership
Opportunities for greater investment in clean energy across Africa
Inspiration for young professionals in science, engineering, and environmental fields
Damilola Ogunbiyi’s historic recognition as the first Nigerian to win the TIME Earth Award 2026 marks a defining moment for Nigeria and Africa. President Tinubu’s commendation underscores the importance of her work in advancing sustainable energy and combating climate change.
Her achievement highlights the growing impact of African leadership in global environmental solutions and reinforces the urgent need for continued investment in clean energy worldwide.