Business
VANGUARD AWARDS OLAKUNLE WILLIAMS THE ENERGY ICON OF THE YEAR: CELEBRATING THE TIGER OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN AFRICA
VANGUARD AWARDS OLAKUNLE WILLIAMS THE ENERGY ICON OF THE YEAR: CELEBRATING THE TIGER OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN AFRICA
BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
Olakunle Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group, has been honored with the prestigious Vanguard Energy Icon Award 2025. This accolade recognizes his outstanding contributions to the African energy sector and his visionary leadership in driving innovation and sustainable growth.
A Visionary Leader Transforming Africa’s Energy Landscape
Under Williams’ guidance, Tetracore Energy has emerged as a leading energy solution provider, boasting a natural gas portfolio exceeding 75 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScfd) for industrial use and energizing over 300 megawatts (MW) of power generation in Nigeria. His strategic focus on clean and cost-effective energy solutions aligns with Africa’s aspirations for a sustainable future, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the continent’s energy narrative.
Pioneering Gas Innovation and Strategic Collaborations
Williams’ commitment to innovation is exemplified by Tetracore’s recent collaboration with Dangote Cement to supply up to 400,000 standard cubic meters per day of Auto Compressed Natural Gas (Auto-CNG) for its logistics operations. This partnership marks a significant step towards achieving the goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), highlighting Williams’ role in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition.
Accolades Reflecting Excellence
Olakunle Williams’ remarkable leadership, visionary drive, and consistent dedication to transforming Africa’s energy landscape have earned him several prestigious accolades both locally and internationally. In 2022, he was honoured with the Nigeria Domestic Gas Ambassador Award by the Nigeria Gas Association in recognition of Tetracore’s outstanding commitment to deepening domestic gas utilization across Nigeria. This was closely followed in 2023 by the Innovative Gas Company of the Year Award presented by the Nigeria Gas Investment Forum, celebrating Tetracore’s pioneering contributions to innovation within the gas industry. His transformative leadership qualities were further acknowledged in 2021 when he received the Energy Personality Leadership Prize for African Leadership Excellence, highlighting his role in reshaping the African energy sector. Williams’ growing influence was also solidified when the African Energy Chamber listed him among the 25 Energy Personalities to Watch in 2022, positioning him as one of the most dynamic leaders shaping Africa’s energy future. In 2023, The Guardian Nigeria further amplified his reputation by featuring him among Nigeria’s 50 Most Inspiring and Definitive Top CEOs in its Annual CEO Series. His exceptional contributions to leadership and corporate governance earned him the Professional Doctorate and Corporate Leadership Excellence Award in 2025, conferred by the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics (Ghana). In the same year, he bagged the Innovative Sustainable Energy Provider of the Year Award at the Nigerian Business Leadership Awards (NBLA), organised by BusinessDay, for his strategic and sustainable energy solutions. Notably, Williams’ continental impact was recognized with the CHOISEUL 100 Africa’s Economic Leaders Award, celebrating his outstanding role in shaping Africa’s economic and energy landscape and affirming his position as a key figure in Africa’s development story.
An Illustrious Career Dedicated to Energy Advancement
With over 16 years of experience across the natural gas and power value chains, Williams’ career includes roles such as Consultant on the Energy desk at Deloitte Nigeria and leading Commercial Advisor at the Nigerian Gas Company Limited. His academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bradford School of Management (UK), and he is a Project Management Professional, Chartered Management Accountant, and Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. Williams is also a member of several professional bodies, including the International Bar Association (IBA), Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN), and the Institute of Arbitrators (UK).
Driving Sustainable Energy Solutions
Tetracore Energy, under Williams’ leadership, has significantly expanded its natural gas portfolio in alignment with Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative and the country’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP). The company’s focus on projects that impact industrialization and energy access includes a long-term contract to supply up to 40 MMScf/d of gas to the Rongtai Industrial Park in Edo State and 60 MMScf/d of natural gas to the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), supporting 34% of electricity generation to the Nigerian grid.
A Legacy of Excellence
Olakunle Williams’ recognition as the Vanguard Energy Icon 2025 is a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in Africa’s energy sector. His recognition as a CHOISEUL 100 Africa’s Economic Leader and BusinessDay’s Innovative Sustainable Energy Provider of the Year further solidify his position as one of Africa’s most influential figures in the sector. Williams’ leadership continues to inspire and drive progress, earning him a reputation as the “Tiger of the Energy Sector” in Africa. The Vanguard Recognition/Vanguard Award further solidifies his legacy as a transformative and visionary force in shaping Africa’s energy future.
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING