Damilola Ogunbiyi has become the first Nigerian to receive the prestigious TIME Earth Award, recognised for her global leadership in advancing clean energy access across the developing world.
Ogunbiyi, who serves as CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, was named among six world leaders on the 2026 list.
The annual award represents TIME’s highest honour for individuals making a “profound and lasting impact” on climate action.
Under her leadership, SEforALL has helped secure over $1.6 trillion in energy finance commitments globally. Ogunbiyi previously led the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550 million initiative that brought electricity to more than 8 million Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated her, stating the award reflects her “exceptional accomplishments” and Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping global development solutions.
Other 2026 honorees include fashion designer Stella McCartney and IKEA CEO Jesper Brodin. Ogunbiyi also co-chairs UN-Energy and was featured on the 2024 TIME100 Climate list.
