By Charles Pemu 
Shell Nigeria and key players in the country’s oil and gas industry celebrated the retirement of Osagie Okunbor, the company’s outgoing Country Chair, who bows out this month after an illustrious 39-year career marked by excellence, innovation, and national impact.
The tribute-filled ceremonies, which commenced Tuesday night in Abuja, drew top dignitaries, including government officials, regulators, and industry leaders from both indigenous and international oil companies. They gathered to honour Okunbor’s legacy in advancing Nigeria’s energy sector, especially his championing of Nigerian content and leadership in deep-water exploration investments.
According to a statement signed by Gladys Afam-Anadu, Communications Manager at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), the celebrations mark the end of a remarkable era.
“Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable,” said Shell’s Executive Vice President Nigeria, Marno de Jong, who will now assume the additional role of Country Chair.
Reflecting on his career, Okunbor said:
“It has been an honour of a lifetime serving my country on a global platform offered by Shell. The Shell values of honesty, integrity, and respect for people have guided my modest contributions.”
A graduate of the University of Benin, Okunbor joined Shell in 1986 and served across Nigeria, the UK, Brunei, and the Netherlands. He rose through various strategic roles before becoming Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and later, Country Chair in 2015.
Among numerous accolades, Okunbor was honoured with the prestigious H.E. Dr Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, cementing his legacy as a transformational force in Nigeria’s energy landscape.