By Chinedu Nsofor
Today the African energy community joins family, friends, partners and admirers around the world to celebrate a man whose life has become a testimony of brilliance purpose and visionary leadership. Dr Olakunle Williams (President and Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group) and one of Africas most influential voices in the natural gas and power industry as he marks his thirty eighth birthday today.
His birthday this year carries a deeper glow, a richer meaning and a wider celebration. Only a few days ago on the 3rd of December Lead City University Ibadan conferred on him the Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his outstanding achievements and transformative contributions to the energy sector. The timing could not be more symbolic. It is as if the universe chose to honour a life of excellence just before another year of impact began. His new doctorate is not only an academic distinction. It is a mirror reflecting the depth of his work across Africa.
Dr Williams’s journey is one defined by clarity of purpose and an uncommon drive. With over sixteen years of experience across the natural gas and power value chain he has contributed to some of the most impactful energy developments in the region. His story began in the world of finance and advisory where he distinguished himself at Akintola Williams Deloitte as a Senior Tax Consultant. His brilliance earned him the Outstanding Tax Consultant award in the twenty eleven twenty twelve financial year. He advised major global companies including Agip Energy and Natural Resources Heineken International and Siemens Nigeria shaping tax strategies mergers acquisitions and investment structuring.
His transition into the national energy space marked the arrival of a new force. At the Nigerian National Petroleum Company he was instrumental in the establishment of the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company and in a span of only two years drove gas marketing initiatives that delivered more than twenty five million standard cubic feet of gas daily. His work in expanding gas supply into the West African region demonstrated his continental foresight and ability to convert vision into value.
As an alumnus of Lead City University where he graduated with First Class Honours in Law and as a holder of an international Master of Business Administration he embodies both academic excellence and corporate mastery. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants a Certified Management Consultant a Project Management Professional and a member of international professional bodies including the International Bar Association the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Institute of Arbitrators.
His greatest imprint however lives in the legacy he is building through Tetracore Energy Group. Under his leadership Tetracore has become a continental powerhouse and one of the most important players in Africa’s gas future. Tetracore today maintains the largest gas trading portfolio in Nigeria with over ninety million standard cubic feet delivered daily. His projects power more than three hundred megawatts of industrial generation across the country. His forty million cubic feet City Gate in Edo State energizes more than eighteen industries. His compressed gas facility in Ogun State continues to strengthen the southwest industrial corridor. His development of a ten million cubic feet LNG plant and a one hundred megawatt power project demonstrates his unwavering commitment to energy security.
Beyond Nigeria his vision travels across borders. With a regional shippers license he is expanding gas into Ghana where Tetracore is developing the first compressed gas mother station in Tema. In Central Africa he has advanced liquefied gas infrastructure for power generation and industrial manufacturing. These are not ordinary achievements. They are the works of a man who sees Africa not as it is but as it can become.
His numerous recognitions reflect this greatness. He has been celebrated as the Nigeria Domestic Gas Ambassador. He has been named among the twenty five energy personalities to watch in Africa. He has received the Innovative Gas Company award the Fin Forbes Award of Excellence the Vanguard Energy Icon award the Nigeria Energy Champion award and a feature among the Choiseul one hundred Africa which honours the continent’s most influential young leaders. He was recently named Business Icon of the Year and decorated with the Professional Doctorate and Corporate Leadership Excellence Award in Ghana.
As he turns thirty eight today we celebrate not just the years he has lived but the lives he has touched, the industries he has shaped and the future he continues to power. May this new year open even greater doors. May his light shine brighter than every city his work has illuminated. May favour surround him like a shield and may the wisdom that guides him grow richer and deeper.
Happy birthday Dr Olakunle Williams(President/CEO Tetracore Energy Group). Africa celebrates you. The energy world honours you. The future waits for your next chapter.
You are Africa’s energy champion today and always.
