… Oladeji Olaoti takes over as Gen.Sec, Olabode Ogundipe as Dep. Gen. Sec
Oreoluwa Adeshewa
The executive council of the Nigerian Gas Association, previously led by Akachukwu Nwokedi, has formally handed over to a new leadership team headed by Engr. Mrs. Yetunde Taiwo of FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company, with Osaze Isesele assuming office as Publicity Secretary.
The development was the highlight of the official handover ceremony of the Association’s incoming Executive Council, held on April 24, 2026, at the Nigerian Gas Association Secretariat in Victoria Island, Lagos, and was witnessed by Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat and Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Gas Association (2021–2023).
The Engr. Mrs. Yetunde Taiwo-led Executive Council also includes Mr. Olufisayo Duduyemi, Managing Director of Axxela Integrated Power, as First Vice President; Engr. Chichi Emenike of Neconde Energy Limited as Second Vice President; Mr. Oladeji Olaoti of Falcon Corporation Limited as Secretary General; Mr. Olabode Ogundipe of Sprovab Nigeria as Deputy Secretary General; Mr. Adeolu Adefarasin of FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company as Financial Secretary; and Mr. Michael Iwuoha of Weatherford as Legal Adviser.
In his remarks, Akachukwu Nwokedi emphasised that leadership of the Nigerian Gas Association demands unwavering commitment, expressing confidence in a seamless transition and urging the incoming Council to build on existing gains and further strengthen the Association’s position as the leading voice in Nigeria’s gas sector.
Nwokedi, who serves as General Counsel and Company Secretary of Nigeria LNG Limited and Africa Regional Coordinator of the International Gas Union, also commended members of the outgoing Council, the NGA Secretariat led by Executive Secretary Taji Ogbe, the Decade of Gas Secretariat, as well as sponsors, partners and members for their continued support and recognition of the Association’s role in advancing Nigeria’s gas agenda.
Taiwo in her acceptance remarks, stated that the new leadership would build on the strong foundation laid by previous administrations, expressing confidence in the council’s ability to deliver value, deepen collaboration, and advance the goals of the Nigerian Gas Association.
Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Secretariat and Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Gas Association (2021–2023), during the ceremony highlighted the significance of leadership continuity and the strong alignment between the NGA and the Decade of Gas initiative in advancing policy advocacy, domestic utilisation, and investment across Nigeria’s gas value chain.
Speaking on his assumption of office, Osaze Isesele said he was honoured by the confidence reposed in him and committed to serving with dedication and professionalism, noting that his priorities would include strengthening strategic communications, deepening media engagement, promoting investment narratives, and spotlighting the transformative role of gas in Nigeria’s economic future.
A seasoned strategic communications expert, Isesele brings multidisciplinary experience to the role and currently serves as Digital Marketing Manager for Africa at GEP, where he has led digital content strategies for flagship platforms such as the Mozambique Energy and Industry Summit, Uganda International Oil and Gas Summit, and the Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference.
His background spans brand management, communications strategy, broadcasting, digital marketing, content creation, public and media relations, event planning, and public speaking, positioning him to enhance the Association’s visibility and amplify opportunities across Nigeria’s gas value chain.
For more than three decades, the Nigerian Gas Association has remained a leading voice in the country’s gas industry, championing stakeholder interests, supporting policy reform, attracting investment, and promoting natural gas as a cornerstone for industrialisation, energy security, and long-term economic growth.
