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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), UTM FLNG, Dr. Julius Rone, and the CEO of Point Technogies Limited, Engr. Emeka Oguchi, have described The Sun Awards as a source of encouragement to achieve more.
Rone and Oguchi spoke separately in Abuja and Lagos respectively when the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Onuoha Ukeh, led management teams to present nomination letters to them.
Rone and Oguchi, who emerged winners in the Investor of the Year category, would be honoured with 34 others and two organisations at The Sun Awards ceremony holding at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on January 31, 2026.
Rone described the award as noble, and a great reward for hard work.
He said: “Like they say, when you put in your best, people recognise it. That is why a newspaper like The Sun considered all our efforts and nominated UTM. We are developing Nigeria’s first floating LNG and we believe that this project is in line with the present administration’s objectives to develop our gas resources.”
The UTM FLNG CEO further said the honour done to him by The Sun Board of Editors with the award will encourage the company to continuously invest in the country because it believes that it is only indigenous entrepreneurs that can continue to invest in the country.
He called on Nigerians to invest in the country in order to create the required employment and also create revenue for the government to be able to put in place, the needed infrastructure in the country.
“We want to thank The Sun Board of Editors for considering us for this award and we look for considering us for this award and we look forward to the formal ceremony. We will continue to do our best for the development of this country,” Rone also said.
Earlier, The Sun MD felicitated with Rone on his achievements as the Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore Limited.
Ukeh noted that UTM Offshore Limited, which Rone founded, is a pioneer company behind Nigeria’s first indigenous Floating Liquefied Natural Gas facility.
He said: “With it, you have carved a niche for yourself as a transformative leader in Africa’s energy sector.”
The Sun MD added that under Rone’s leadership, the company has successfully driven the development of its FLNG project, a landmark initiative set to strengthen Nigeria’s LNG capacity.
“With a planned production capacity of 2.8 million tons per annum, the project represents a major step in gas monetisation and energy security for the nation.
“In your business, it is clear that you combine strategic foresight with operational excellence, which has made you a leading force in Nigeria’s vibrant energy sector. You recorded a breakthrough in 2023 when UTM Offshore Limited signed an agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for a 20 per cent equity stake, underscoring the project’s national significance.
“Your legacy is defined by your unwavering commitment to innovation, national progress, and community development. Your leadership continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and energy professionals, confirming your status as a transformative figure in Nigeria’s energy landscape and the ‘Gas King of Africa,’ as industry players call you,” Ukeh stated.
On his part, Engr. Oguch thanked The Sun Board of Editors for the honour, pointing out that everyone loves to be recognised for the things they have done as a mark of encouragement.
Oguchi said: “When you were reading out some of the things we did, I was surprised because I have even forgotten some of them. Once in a while we need this kind of encouragement to keep going.”
Reflecting on the trajectory of his business, Oguchi explained that from computer business where he originally had a foothold, his business and the entire mobile devices market took a positive turn when the demand for the products began to soar as telecommunication network operators rolled out their services for the first time in Nigeria.
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He recalled: “From Ikeja to other markets across the country, there were no mobile phone markets until we started contacting our friends and family members to see who could supply you mobile phones and you will make double the amount.
“So we went into distribution and retail of mobile devices and accessories, getting more organised and structured. Slot was like the forerunner then. Today we have gone beyond that and even have brands of accessories that we manufacture.”
While presenting the nomination letter to Oguchi earlier, The Sun MD described him as one of Nigeria’s visionary entrepreneurs reshaping the country’s technology landscape.
He noted that Oguchi deployed technical expertise with strategic vision to build one of Nigeria’s most respected tech retail and distribution companies.
He said: “Between 2005, when you founded Pointek and 2025, you have transformed the company into a market leader, offering mobile phones, gadgets, and accessories through a nationwide retail network.
“Your leadership has not only expanded the company’s footprint but has also ensured that Nigerians have access to quality technology products and mobile devices across the country.
“You are known for your interest in human capital development. As a champion of youth empowerment, you have launched initiatives to train 1,000 unemployed Nigerians, including students and prison inmates in technical skills and entrepreneurship as well as bridging the gap between education and economic opportunities.”
Ukeh also said that through his strategic vision and relentless drive, Oguchi has created employment, fostered innovation, and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
“Under your watch, Pointek has become not only a thriving business but also a platform for development, opportunity, and progress in the nation’s technology sector, contributing to Nigeria’s technology revolution and inspiring a new generation of innovators,” Ukeh said.
Apart fom Rone and Oguchi, other people to receive awards include Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; and Sen. Solomon Adeola, Senator representing Ogun West (Man of the Year); Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River (Governor of the Year).
The First Lady of the Year award goes to Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma of Imo State, while the Political Personality of the Year award would be received by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, just as HRM, Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi Kingdom would receive the Most Outstanding Royal Father of the Year award.
The Minister of the Year goes to Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCT, while the Lifetime Achievement Award would be received by Oba Rashid Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadanland; Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); and Chief Simeon Eyisi, Chairman/CEO, SIMS Nigeria Limited.
Like Agbasi, the Public Service Personality award will be received by Prof. Stella Ifeanyi Smith, Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, with the Banker of the Year goes to Mr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, MD, Premium Trust Bank Plc, just as Dr. Andrew Oru, Chairman, Rojitel Group will join Dr. Julius Rone, CEO, UTM Offshore Limited and Engr. Oguchi Emeka, CEO, Pointek to receive the Investor of the Year award.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award would be received by Prince Charles Ezeagwu, CEO, Charzin Group; Mr. Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Chairman, Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited; Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, CEO, Citygate Group; and Dr. Eric Opah, CEO, Fortune Global.
Mr. John Ezeobi, Chairman, Zobis Cable Nigeria Limited; Chief Emeka Agbanari, Chairman, Seaman Group, and Chief Peter Orogwu, Chairman, Chuby Zion Industries Limited, would receive the Industrialist of the Year award, with Real Estate Icon award going to Dr. Stephen Maxwell Nweze, Chairman if Seman Global Concept Limited.
The Humanitarian Service Icon award goes to Sen. Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy Senate President, with the Hospitality Icon award going to Mr. Paul Onwuanibe, CEO, Landmark Africa Group, owners of Landmark Hotel & Resorts, and Chief Livinus Anibogu, CEO, AG Lexon Nig. Limited, owners of Villa Park Hotel & Suites.
The Courage in Leadership award would be received by Bishop Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, while the Nollywood Icon award goes to Dr. Kenneth Okonkwo, ace actor, film producer and activist.
Mrs. Onyeka Michael-Ugwu, founder, Hello Perfect and Mr. Tunde Onakoya, founder, Chess in Slum Africa, would receive the Young Achievers award, with Zenith Bank Plc receiving the Bank of the Year award and Opay Digital Services Limited receiving Fintech/Digital Bank of the Year award.
