Falcon Corporation Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous gas companies, has celebrated the retirement of its co-founder and pioneer managing director, Professor Joseph Ezigbo, marking the end of 31 years of service to the company and the nation’s gas industry.
At an event held recently in Lagos, leaders from the oil, gas and banking sectors, industry stakeholders, academics, former students, family members and friends gathered to honour the outgoing MD.
Ezigbo, a former lecturer and professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, co-founded Falcon Corporation Limited with his wife in 1994.
Under his leadership, it was remarked that the company grew into a respected force in Nigeria’s gas sector, delivering energy solutions that power homes, industries and businesses across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Falcon Corporation Limited, Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, said the celebration was a recognition of Ezigbo’s enduring legacy and the standards he set for the organisation.
She said, “Celebrating Prof. Ezigbo is recognition of his years of service and the enduring standards he established—standards of excellence, accountability, and people-centred leadership that will continue to guide Falcon as it moves confidently into the next phase of our growth and transformation. His legacy is one that will remain a reference point for leadership within this organisation for years to come.”
Also speaking, a retired Nigerian career diplomat and former Ambassador to Mozambique, Ozo Nwobu, described Ezigbo as a leader whose influence extended beyond corporate achievements.
According to him, Ezigbo exemplifies leadership rooted in service, empathy, and integrity, leaving an imprint that extends far beyond titles and positions.
Guests at the event paid glowing tributes to Professor Ezigbo’s mentorship and ethical leadership, noting his influence across academia, business and the energy sector.
Widely described at the event as a “gas man to the core”, Ezigbo has spent five decades excelling in both academia and business. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Diploma of Imperial College and a master’s degree from Imperial College London, as well as a PhD from the University of Salford, Manchester.
According to Falcon, he taught for 25 years at the University of Nigeria, mentoring generations of students and serving in key leadership roles. His contributions to academia and enterprise earned him several honours, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year West Africa award in 2014 and Anambra Man of the Year in 2025.
