TIME magazine has named Nigerian energy leader Damilola Ogunbiyi among six global figures honoured on its 2026 TIME Earth list, recognising individuals at the forefront of climate action and the global push for sustainable energy. Now in its fourth year, the TIME Earth Awards represent the publication’s highest environmental honour, celebrating leaders whose work has had a lasting impact on efforts to combat climate change and accelerate the global energy transition.
Ogunbiyi, who serves as Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, was recognised for advancing clean energy transitions and driving the decarbonisation of energy systems worldwide.
Reacting to the honour, Ogunbiyi emphasised the human dimension of the energy transition, stating: “The energy transition is about people and the families and communities whose lives are transformed by reliable, clean power. Across the Global South, countries are leading the way – from Pakistan’s solar capacity reaching 33 GW to Kenya generating over 90% of its electricity from clean energy.”
She added: “In Nigeria, one of the world’s largest distributed renewable energy programmes is expanding access at scale, unlocking opportunity and improving livelihoods. This recognition is a reminder of what’s possible when we put people at the centre of the energy transition.”
The recognition adds to a string of global honours Ogunbiyi has received in recent years, reflecting her growing influence in international climate and energy policy circles.
Under her leadership since 2020, Sustainable Energy for All has built partnerships with more than 200 organisations, supported over 100 countries, and helped secure commitments exceeding $1.6 trillion in energy finance aimed at expanding access and accelerating clean energy adoption.
Before her global role, Ogunbiyi led Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, where she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550 million initiative that has delivered electricity to more than eight million people and deployed over 100 megawatts of decentralised energy solutions.
Her previous recognitions include being named among the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders and inclusion in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list, alongside receiving the First Class Order of Zayed II for her contributions to the success of COP28.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated Ogunbiyi, describing her as the first Nigerian to receive the TIME Earth Awards and commending her leadership in advancing clean energy, particularly across developing regions.
In a statement issued by his adviser Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that her achievements reflect both personal excellence and Nigeria’s growing role in shaping global solutions to climate and development challenges.
According to Tinubu: “Ogunbiyi’s achievement not only reflects personal excellence but also underscores Nigeria’s growing influence and leadership in shaping innovative and impactful solutions to global development challenges. I applaud her steadfast commitment to service and her significant role in elevating Nigeria’s profile on the international stage.”
Meanwhile, the President also extended congratulations to veteran educationist Seinde Arogbofa on his 87th birthday, praising his longstanding contributions to education and his role within the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere.
Tinubu described Arogbofa as a principled leader and loyal progressive, stating: “I admire Bashorun Arogbofa for his honesty, integrity, consistency and commitment to what he strongly believes in… On this occasion of his 87th birthday, I pray that God Almighty will grant him good health and keep him with us for more years so we can continue to drink from his fountain of knowledge, wisdom and experience.”