Damilola Ogunbiyi: Championing Sustainable Energy and Global Development
In today’s world, where energy access and climate change remain central to human progress, Damilola Ogunbiyi stands out as a global leader shaping the path towards sustainability. As the Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, she has built a distinguished career dedicated to ending energy poverty and driving inclusive energy transitions. Her journey from Nigeria to the global stage reflects resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to equitable development.
Damilola Ogunbiyi Age, Early Life and Education
Foundations in Nigeria
Born in Nigeria in 1975, Damilola Ogunbiyi (age 46) grew up with an appreciation for the challenges that millions face without reliable access to energy. Her early schooling at Atlantic Hall, one of Nigeria’s well-known secondary institutions, gave her a strong academic foundation.
Higher Education in the United Kingdom
Her pursuit of excellence led her to the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom. There, she obtained both a BSc and MSc in Project Management for Construction, focusing on Public-Private Partnerships. This academic training would later influence her career as she championed innovative models to bridge infrastructure and energy gaps.
Career Beginnings
Early International Experience
Damilola Ogunbiyi started her professional journey in the United Kingdom, working with organisations such as Mace, HM Treasury, and BG Group. At HM Treasury, she managed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programmes for local government authorities, a role that sharpened her expertise in delivering infrastructure projects through collaborative financing.
Her time with the Department for International Development (DFID) further deepened her experience, as she was seconded to the Lagos State Government in Nigeria as an embedded advisor on infrastructure and PPP projects. This role marked a turning point, bringing her back to Nigeria to begin her trailblazing career in energy.
Leadership in Nigeria’s Power Sector
General Manager of Lagos State Electricity Board
In 2011, Damilola Ogunbiyi became the first female General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board. She transformed the institution into a modern and effective agency, leading independent power projects that delivered more than 55 megawatts of electricity to critical public facilities including hospitals, schools, street lighting, and government offices.
She also spearheaded a 5MW decentralised solar power project, bringing reliable energy to over 200 schools and health clinics across Lagos State. These projects not only improved public services but also demonstrated the viability of renewable solutions in urban centres.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Power
Her outstanding performance earned her an appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Power, where she headed the Advisory Power Team in the Office of the Vice President. In this role, she advised on energy matters across the country, focusing on both on-grid and off-grid solutions. She played a central part in developing the Power Sector Recovery Plan, a key blueprint for Nigeria’s energy reforms.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency
In 2017, Damilola Ogunbiyi broke yet another barrier by becoming the first female Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA). During her tenure, she negotiated the landmark Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550 million facility supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank to expand solar mini-grids and solar home systems across the country.
She also designed and implemented the Energizing Education Programme, ensuring uninterrupted electricity for 37 federal universities and 7 teaching hospitals, and the Energizing Economies Initiative, which provided off-grid power to marketplaces and small businesses. These initiatives have been hailed as transformative for Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Global Leadership
CEO of Sustainable Energy for All
In January 2020, Damilola Ogunbiyi was appointed as the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All. She also assumed the role of Co-Chair of UN-Energy, making her one of the most influential voices in global energy policy.
At SEforALL, she has built strong partnerships with governments, international organisations, and private companies. The organisation now works with over 200 partners across more than 90 countries, focusing on accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030.
Focus on Just and Equitable Energy Transition
A defining feature of her leadership is her insistence on a just and equitable transition. For Damilola Ogunbiyi, clean energy must not only address climate change but also lift communities out of poverty, create opportunities for women and young people, and deliver health and prosperity to all.
She has consistently argued that energy transition policies must consider the realities of developing nations, particularly in Africa, where millions still live without electricity.
International Recognition and Awards
Honours and Fellowships
In 2022, Damilola Ogunbiyi was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (HonFREng), a recognition of her remarkable contributions to engineering and energy development.
Global Awards
She has received several prestigious awards, including the Energy Institute President’s Award (2023), the Global Female Leadership Impact Award, and the First Class Order of Zayed II from the President of the UAE for her role in COP28.
Her inclusion in TIME100 Climate Leaders (2024) highlights her global influence in climate and energy discussions.
Advisory and Board Memberships
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Damilola Ogunbiyi serves on multiple advisory boards and councils, including:
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The World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab
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The European Investment Bank Climate and Environment Advisory Council
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The Clean Cooking Alliance Advisory Board
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The WHO High-Level Coalition on Energy (HEPA)
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The Columbia University Centre on Global Energy Policy Advisory Board
Her involvement reflects her dedication to shaping international energy and climate policy across diverse platforms.
Personal Life
While her professional achievements are widely celebrated, Damilola Ogunbiyi maintains a private personal life. Public records focus primarily on her career and global impact rather than family details. However, her reputation as a role model for women in leadership and STEM fields continues to inspire countless young professionals worldwide.
Legacy and Impact
Damilola Ogunbiyi is more than a leader; she is a catalyst for transformation. Her efforts have illuminated the lives of millions, not just through electricity but also through opportunity, health, and education. By combining technical expertise, visionary leadership, and a passion for equity, she is redefining what sustainable development means in the 21st century.
Conclusion
From managing power projects in Lagos to leading global energy policy at the United Nations, Damilola Ogunbiyi embodies the spirit of service and innovation. Her leadership has shown that sustainable energy is not a distant dream but an achievable reality, provided the world works collectively.
As the world grapples with climate change and energy poverty, her voice remains essential in guiding nations towards a fair, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.
