Nigerian energy expert Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi has been named among six global leaders recognised in the 2026 TIME Earth Awards, becoming the first Nigerian to receive the honour.
TIME announced that Ogunbiyi, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, was selected for her contributions to advancing clean energy and tackling climate change.
The Earth Awards, now in their fourth year, represent TIME’s highest recognition for individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on global climate action.
According to a statement, Ogunbiyi earned recognition for driving efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition and decarbonise energy systems worldwide, thereby reducing emissions and expanding access to sustainable power.
Speaking on the recognition, Ogunbiyi said, “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, from Pakistan’s solar capacity reaching 33 gigawatts to Kenya generating over 90 per cent of its electricity from clean energy.
“In Nigeria, one of the world’s largest distributed renewable energy programmes is expanding access at scale, unlocking opportunity and improving livelihoods. This recognition is a reminder of what is possible when we put people at the centre of the energy transition.”
The TIME Earth recognition adds to a string of global honours Ogunbiyi has received in recent years, reflecting her growing influence in climate and energy leadership.
Under her leadership, Sustainable Energy for All has partnered with over 200 organisations, supported more than 100 countries, and helped secure over $1.6tn in energy financing commitments globally.
Ogunbiyi previously served as Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, where she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550m initiative that has delivered electricity access to over eight million Nigerians and deployed more than 100 megawatts of decentralised energy projects across hospitals, schools and government institutions.
Her recent recognitions include being named among the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders and inclusion in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list. She also received the First Class Order of Zayed II from the President of the United Arab Emirates for her role in the success of COP28, alongside the Global Female Leadership Impact Award.
Ogunbiyi has led Sustainable Energy for All since January 2020, driving initiatives to accelerate energy access and promote equitable, sustainable development across emerging economies.
