By Patience Chat Moses
In recognition of his invaluable contributions to the Nigerian energy sector and his service to humanity, the Managing Director (MD) of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) , Nigeria Limited, and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, has received the Award for Exemplary Leadership and service to humanity Award.
Valuechain, in a communique, learnt that Osagie received the Award from a Lagos-based Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Heritage for Life Foundation, at a ceremony which took place over the weekend.
Director of the Foundation, who was a Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), 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 recognizing individuals who exhibit the virtues.
While receiving the award, Okunbor expressed excitement for the recognition which he said “calls for greater commitment to the highest standards of leadership and service to humanity”.
He reiterated his desire to continue contributing to national development alongside the support of his colleagues and other industry stakeholders.
The award from the foundation was the second bestowed on the longest serving Country Chair of Shell companies in Nigeria in the past month.
Earlier, at the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), 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, United Kingdom (UK), Brunei and the Netherlands before his appointment as MD, SPDC and Country Chair in 2015.
In May, the Executive Council of the Nigerian Gas Association recognized Okunbor for “outstanding contributions towards the advancement of Nigeria’s gas sector.”
