Ogunbiyi turns into first Nigerian to win TIME Earth award

Nigerian power professional Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi has been named amongst six world leaders recognised within the 2026 TIME Earth Awards, changing into the primary Nigerian to obtain the honour.

TIME introduced that Ogunbiyi, who serves because the Chief Government Officer of Sustainable Power for All and Particular Consultant of the UN Secretary-Normal, was chosen for her contributions to advancing clear power and tackling local weather change.

The Earth Awards, now of their fourth yr, symbolize TIME’s highest recognition for people whose work has made an enduring influence on world local weather motion.

In response to a press release, Ogunbiyi earned recognition for driving efforts to speed up the clear power transition and decarbonise power techniques worldwide, thereby decreasing emissions and increasing entry to sustainable energy.

Talking on the popularity, Ogunbiyi mentioned, “The power transition is about individuals and the households and communities whose lives are reworked by dependable, clear energy. Throughout the World South, nations are main the best way, from Pakistan’s photo voltaic capability reaching 33 gigawatts to Kenya producing over 90 per cent of its electrical energy from clear power.

“In Nigeria, one of many world’s largest distributed renewable power programmes is increasing entry at scale, unlocking alternative and bettering livelihoods. This recognition is a reminder of what’s attainable once we put individuals on the centre of the power transition.”

The TIME Earth recognition provides to a string of world honours Ogunbiyi has acquired in recent times, reflecting her rising affect in local weather and power management.

Beneath her management, Sustainable Power for All has partnered with over 200 organisations, supported greater than 100 nations, and helped safe over $1.6tn in power financing commitments globally.

Ogunbiyi beforehand served as Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Company of Nigeria, the place she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Mission, a $550m initiative that has delivered electrical energy entry to over eight million Nigerians and deployed greater than 100 megawatts of decentralised power tasks throughout hospitals, colleges and authorities establishments.

Her current recognitions embrace being named among the many 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders and inclusion within the 2024 TIME100 Local weather checklist. She additionally acquired the First Class Order of Zayed II from the President of the United Arab Emirates for her function within the success of COP28, alongside the World Feminine Management Influence Award.

Ogunbiyi has led Sustainable Power for All since January 2020, driving initiatives to speed up power entry and promote equitable, sustainable growth throughout rising economies.