The year 2026 has started with a significant bang for Nigeria's energy sector, with industry leader Julius Rone receiving two of the country's most prestigious business honours. The Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore has been named the New Telegraph Personality of the Year 2025 and The Sun Newspaper's Investor of the Year.
A Visionary Driving Nigeria's Gas Ambitions
These twin accolades solidify Rone's reputation as a transformative force in Nigeria's energy landscape, often dubbed the "Gas King." His recognition is intrinsically linked to his leadership in developing Nigeria's first-ever Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project. This ambitious venture is a cornerstone in repositioning Nigeria within the global energy value chain and achieving long-held gas monetisation goals.
Rone's rise is attributed to a unique blend of strategic foresight, deep technical knowledge, and sharp investment acumen. His ability to identify and capitalise on complex opportunities has distinguished him among peers, earning widespread admiration across Africa's business and energy circles.
The Game-Changing FLNG Project
At the core of this recognition is the groundbreaking UTM Offshore FLNG facility. The project is designed with a substantial output capacity: 1.5 million tonnes of LNG annually for export and an additional 300,000 tonnes of LPG per year for domestic use.
This initiative is more than a commercial enterprise; it is a national strategic asset expected to:
- Alleviate pressure on Nigeria's domestic energy supply.
- Substantially boost foreign exchange earnings.
- Increase local participation and expertise across the gas value chain.
The project has garnered strong support from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aligning perfectly with the government's Renewed Hope agenda focused on energy security, economic diversification, and industrial growth.
A Career Built on Impact and Excellence
Julius Rone's path to this point is built on decades of influential work. His earlier roles at key public institutions like the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) provided a crucial foundation in energy development, community relations, and policy execution.
Since taking the helm of the UTM Group of Companies in 2008, Rone has steered the organisation with a firm commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility. His FLNG vision has attracted major international partners, including JGC Holdings, Technip Energies, and KBR, while adhering to stringent environmental and regulatory standards.
The dual awards from New Telegraph and The Sun Newspapers further cement Julius Rone's status among Africa's business elite. His sharp intuition, disciplined execution, and proven capacity to deliver landmark projects continue to set him apart in a highly competitive global industry. As Nigeria intensifies efforts to harness its vast gas resources, Rone's influence is unmistakable, and his momentum shows no signs of slowing down in 2026.
