Abuja, Nigeria- Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy business subsidiary of Oando Energy Resources (part of the Oando PLC), wasthe recipient of the Sustainability in Energy Award at the recently concluded 24th NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition. The prestigious award was presented during the NOG Energy Week Gala Dinner hosted by NNPC Limited, recognising OCEL’s leadership and innovation in promoting sustainable energy solutions across Africa.
This award culminates a week-long series of Oando’s participation in the conference marked by the contributions of the Managing Director, Oando Energy Resources (OER), Dr Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, on two high-level panels discussing ‘Prioritising Energy Security’ and ‘Harnessing Africa’s Energy Shift - From Acquisition to Optimisation’.
Speaking on energy security, Dr. Irune emphasised the importance of mindset and ambition in shaping Africa's energy future: "When we talk about energy security, it is important to start with mindset. You have to believe you are deserving of security to invest in it. Decades ago, the West understood this; they built energy infrastructure across Africa, directing the benefits outward to fuel their own growth. In Africa, we must embrace the same belief: that our children are equally deserving of opportunity and access. Energy security must begin with valuing our people. Oando has built its entire business on this sort of thinking.’
Dr. Irune also highlighted Oando’s bold moves in the upstream sector, noting it’s rare achievement as the only indigenous company to have acquired two International Oil Companies (IOCs), a testament to the company’s ambition and resilience.
"It tells you the size of our dreams, possibilities, and the way we see the world. It has not been easy navigating the challenges, bringing the assets to bear, as well as shadowing the operator in ensuring they are forthright in what they do. Now,sitting in the operating seat and managing a myriad of issues such as security,I must say thank you to the NNPC." added Irune
Ademola Ogunbanjo, President/CEO Oando Clean Energy (OCEL) equally spoke on a panel addressing the topic ‘What Role Will Renewables Play in the Future Energy Mix?’ where he called for greater urgency and investment in clean energy.
Ogunbanjo remarked “The role of renewable energy in Africa's energy mix will remain lackluster if current trends continue. So we can talk about it till we are blue in the face, nothing will happen. We are celebrating $40billion of investment in renewable energy for 2024, but are we aware that that's actually less than 2% of global investment”
“The bottom line, there is no conversation around the expense that is required to transition from fossil energy to renewable energy. There is a dearth of energy provision for a country with nearly 85 million people without reliable access to power. So let us close the gap with renewable energy infrastructure and investments. Before we start talking about decommissioning existing." added Ogunbanjo.
Oando’s recognition at NOG Energy Week 2025 reinforces its pivotal role in leading the narrative for energy development in Africa. Through bold upstream strategies and a growing focus on renewable energy, the company continues to lead the conversation, and action, on securing Africa’s energy future.
