Nigeria’s sustainable energy leader, Damilola Ogunbiyi, has been named to the prestigious 2026 TIME Earth Awards, becoming the first Nigerian to earn a place on the global climate honours list.
The award which was announced in London on Sunday, March 22 by TIME, places Ogunbiyi among six influential figures worldwide celebrated for their transformative contributions to climate action and environmental sustainability.
The TIME Earth Awards, now in their fourth year, represent the publication’s highest recognition for individuals whose work has made a lasting impact in tackling climate change.
Ogunbiyi was honoured for her leadership in advancing the global clean energy transition and driving efforts to decarbonise energy systems.
As Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Ogunbiyi has been at the forefront of expanding energy access while promoting sustainable development, particularly across developing economies.
Reflecting on the honour, she emphasised the human dimension of climate action.
“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… This recognition is a reminder of what’s possible when we put people at the centre of the energy transition,” she said.
Under her leadership, Sustainable Energy for All has built partnerships with more than 200 organisations, supported over 100 countries, and mobilised commitments exceeding $1.6 trillion in energy finance, efforts that have significantly accelerated access to clean and affordable energy globally.
Ogunbiyi’s impact is also deeply rooted in Nigeria.
During her tenure as head of the Rural Electrification Agency, she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550 million initiative that has delivered electricity to more than eight million Nigerians.
The programme has implemented over 100 megawatts of decentralised energy projects, powering hospitals, schools, and public institutions nationwide.
The TIME Earth Award adds to a growing list of international honours recognising Ogunbiyi’s leadership in climate and energy.
In 2025, she was named among the world’s top sustainability leaders by Forbes, and in 2024, she featured on the TIME100 Climate list of global changemakers.
She also received the prestigious First Class Order of Zayed II for her contributions to the success of the COP28 climate summit.
Her latest recognition underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global climate leadership and highlights the critical role of inclusive, people-centred energy solutions in shaping a sustainable future.
