Damilola Ogunbiyi Becomes First Nigerian Named to TIME Earth Awards

At a time when the search for credible climate leadership is intensifying, a Nigerian has been recognised among the figures shaping the world’s energy future. Damilola Ogunbiyi, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, has been named to the 2026 TIME Earth Awards, becoming the first Nigerian to appear on the influential list.

Now in its fourth year, the TIME Earth Awards recognise individuals whose work is making measurable contributions to tackling climate change and advancing sustainable energy systems. Ogunbiyi was selected as one of six global leaders honoured for driving progress toward a cleaner and more inclusive energy future.

Her work focuses on one of the world’s most pressing challenges: expanding access to electricity while reducing carbon emissions. Across many developing regions, millions still live without reliable power, forcing countries to balance development needs with environmental responsibility. Ogunbiyi has consistently argued that these goals can advance together, with clean energy serving not only as a climate solution but also as a driver of economic opportunity.

Through her leadership at Sustainable Energy for All, she has helped coordinate international partnerships aimed at accelerating energy transitions, particularly across the Global South. The organisation now works with more than 200 partners and supports over 100 countries in developing strategies to expand electricity access while reducing emissions. These efforts have helped mobilise over $1.6 trillion in energy finance commitments, reflecting growing global momentum behind sustainable power systems.

Responding to the recognition, Ogunbiyi emphasised that the energy transition must remain centred on people and communities whose lives are transformed by reliable electricity. She pointed to progress already underway across the Global South, including Pakistan’s rapid solar expansion to 33 gigawatts and Kenya generating more than 90 percent of its electricity from clean energy. Nigeria, she noted, is also witnessing the expansion of one of the world’s largest distributed renewable energy programmes, improving livelihoods while broadening access to power.

Before stepping onto the global stage, Ogunbiyi built her reputation within Nigeria’s power sector. As Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, she led the $550 million Nigerian Electrification Project, an initiative designed to deliver electricity to underserved communities through decentralised and renewable energy solutions.

The programme has since provided electricity access to more than eight million Nigerians and supported the deployment of over 100 megawatts of decentralised energy projects, supplying power to hospitals, schools and government facilities across the country. By prioritising solar mini-grids and off-grid technologies, the initiative demonstrated how innovative energy solutions could accelerate electrification in communities long beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.

Ogunbiyi’s inclusion in the TIME Earth Awards adds to a growing list of international recognitions she has received in recent years. Beyond the honour itself, it reflects the rising influence of leaders from the Global South in shaping the global climate and energy agenda.

For Nigeria, the recognition carries deep significance especially as the world navigates the complex transition toward cleaner energy systems and Ogunbiyi’s work underscores a simple truth: Nigerian expertise is not only participating in global solutions but helping to lead them.