SCIENCE, POWER & LEGACY: NLNG PAYS TRIBUTE TO PROF BART NNAJI AT PLATINUM 70
Nigeria’s energy giant, NLNG, has paused to honour one of the country’s finest scientific minds as Professor Bart Nnaji marks his 70th birthday in grand style.
The tribute came at a special colloquium where NLNG celebrated more than two decades of Professor Nnaji’s selfless service to The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation — a platform he has helped nurture since it was born in 2004.
Speaking at the event, NLNG’s MD/CEO, Adeleye Falade, represented by Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, described Prof Nnaji as one of the Prize’s earliest advocates and a pillar of its credibility. According to her, through his intellectual leadership, strategic counsel and sustained advocacy, he has helped shape the Prize’s vision, strengthen stakeholder confidence and advance its role as a platform for scientific innovation and national development.
Prof Nnaji’s journey with the Prize began on 9 October 2004 at the inaugural Grand Award Night in Abuja, where he delivered the keynote address, _“Leapfrogging Science and Technology in Nigeria.”_ That speech set the tone for the Prize’s founding ambition: to use science and technology as drivers of national development. His early endorsement also helped build awareness of the initiative among scientists, policymakers and other stakeholders across the country.
His involvement deepened in 2013 when he joined a stakeholder review convened by NLNG to strengthen the Prize’s governance. His guidance during that process led to reforms that reinforced the Prize’s processes and renewed trust in its administration.
In recognition of his dedication, Professor Nnaji was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation in 2022. In that role, he has continued to use his global network and professional standing to expand the Prize’s international reach and deepen engagement with leading scientists and researchers around the world.
NLNG said Prof Nnaji’s relationship with the Prize has grown beyond formal responsibilities, making him “family” and part of the institution’s history. _“To Professor Nnaji, you are family and we celebrate this milestone accomplishment with you and your loved ones. We wish you good health so you can continue your remarkable contributions to society and Nigeria’s development,”_ Falade said.
NLNG added that as Prof Nnaji clocks 70, the company celebrates his distinguished record as a scientist, former Minister of Power, and leader in Nigeria’s power industry. _“We wish him good health and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and the wider society,”_ Horsfall added.
Established in 2004 and sponsored by NLNG, The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation recognises scientists and innovators whose work offers practical solutions to challenges of significance to Nigeria. The competition is open to entries from around the world.
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