President Bola Tinubu has praised the Chief Executive Officer and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi, after becoming the first Nigerian to be honoured with a Time Earth award. 

Ms Ogunbiyi was last week named alongside five others on the 2026 TIME Earth list, which recognises individuals whose contributions to sustainability actions have had an indelible impact on global efforts to address climate change. 

In a statement by the presidency on Sunday, Mr Tinubu lauded Ms Ogunbiyi’s dedication to service, stating that her dedication to leadership has helped over 100 countries worldwide and helped secure commitments totalling more than $1.6 trillion in energy finance.

“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,” Mr Tinubu said. 

Reacting to the announcement, Ms Ogunbiyi stated she was grateful for the honour. She also dedicated the recognition to her colleagues. 

“I accept this recognition with immense gratitude, and also with humility, because this moment is not just about me. It belongs to the extraordinary colleagues and partners I am privileged to work with every day,” Ms Ogunbiyi told Sustainable Energy for All’s website. 

She added “This award is also a tribute to the remarkable team at Sustainable Energy for All and the wider United Nations family. Every day, they work tirelessly to promote climate-smart solutions across the world, often in some of the most complex and challenging environments.”