Energy Expert, Damilola Ogunbiyi Become First Nigerian to Win TIME Earth Awards

Summary: Energy expert, Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi, has made history as the first Nigerian to be honoured with the prestigious TIME Earth Award. Her recognition stemmed from her global leadership, efforts to advance the clean energy transition, and commitment to sustainable development.

Energy expert, Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi, has made history as the first Nigerian to be honoured with the prestigious TIME Earth Award.  She earned the recognition for her global leadership and efforts in advancing the clean energy transition and commitment to sustainable development.

The TIME Earth Award is one of the prestigious awards organised by TIME Magazine. The award celebrates global leaders, activists, and innovators who are actively steering the world toward a more sustainable and equitable future. It was launched in 2023 and was previously known as the TIME CO2 Earth Awards. It’s currently in its fourth year. Its focus areas include: clean energy transition, climate justice, decarbonization, and sustainable business practices. 

As the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, Damilola is among the six global leaders recognised in the 2026 TIME Earth Awards list. Since 2020,  the energy expert has led Sustainable Energy for All, where she drives initiatives to accelerate energy access and promote equitable, sustainable development across emerging economies.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu congratulates and commends the global leader, noting that her achievement underscores Nigeria’s growing influence and leadership in solving global development challenges.

Prior to this global recognition, the energy expert had previously served as Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, where she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550m initiative that has delivered electricity access to over eight million Nigerians and deployed more than 100 megawatts of decentralised energy projects across hospitals, schools and government institutions. 

She has also been named among the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders and included in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list. She also received the First Class Order of Zayed II from the President of the United Arab Emirates for her role in the success of COP28, alongside the Global Female Leadership Impact Award.