Ayuk honours Omorodion for 30 years of shaping Africa’s energy future
By Eyo Nsima
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), NJ Ayuk, has honoured Dr Nosa Omorodion for more than three decades of contributions to Nigeria’s and Africa’s energy industry.
Omorodion received a Lifetime Achievement Award at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, in recognition of his service and impact on the continent’s energy sector.
Ayuk described Omorodion as “a true legend” and “a determined fighter for Africa’s energy future”, saying his career had contributed significantly to technology advancement, local content, workforce development and the growth of indigenous energy companies.
According to him, Omorodion’s leadership at SLB and involvement in professional organisations had helped African businesses strengthen their operations, develop their assets and compete more effectively.
He also commended Omorodion for providing calm counsel and sound judgment to national oil companies during difficult periods.
Ayuk said Omorodion’s commitment to developing young Africans was demonstrated through initiatives such as the Tech Graduate Trainee Programme, SLB Young Creators Programme and Nigeria’s first AI Academy.
“These initiatives have helped expand technical training, innovation and digital skills for the next generation,” he said.
He also cited SLB’s partnership with the ONE Campaign, which supported the installation of solar power systems at healthcare facilities across Nigeria to improve electricity reliability and reduce dependence on diesel generation.
Ayuk said Omorodion had consistently demonstrated that energy was more than a commodity, linking reliable energy to healthcare, education, economic opportunity and human dignity.
He noted that Omorodion used his acceptance of the award to shift attention from his personal achievement to the future of Africa’s young people.
“He did not make the moment about himself. Instead, he challenged us to focus on the future and on empowering, equipping and developing Africa’s young people,” Ayuk said.
According to him, Omorodion’s legacy goes beyond occupying leadership positions to building capacity, mentoring young people and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Ayuk said the award should therefore serve as both recognition of Omorodion’s past achievements and a reminder of the work still required to build a stronger African energy industry.
“The work is not finished. Communities still need reliable power. Young Africans need opportunity. Indigenous companies are still ready to grow, innovate and lead,” he said.
He added: “Your Lifetime Achievement Award honours the past, but your example points us towards the future.”
Ayuk described Omorodion as a family man, mentor and builder whose success was measured not only by his personal achievements but by the number of people he had helped to rise.
He said Omorodion’s example showed that the strongest leaders were those who prepared others to lead and left institutions and communities stronger than they found them.
