NLNG has paid tribute to Professor Bart Nnaji at 70, highlighting his greater than 20 years of contribution to the governance, credibility and worldwide attain of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.
The former Minister of Power and Chairman of the Prize’s Advisory Board was honoured at a colloquium marking his birthday, the place NLNG mirrored on his affiliation with the initiative from its childhood over 22 years in the past.
Speaking at the colloquium, NLNG’s MD/CEO, Adeleye Falade, represented by Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, described Professor Nnaji as one of many Prize’s earliest advocates and longstanding advisers.
“Professor Nnaji has been part of the Prize’s journey since its inception in 2004. Through his intellectual leadership, strategic counsel and sustained advocacy, he has helped shape its vision, strengthen stakeholder confidence and advance its role as a platform for scientific innovation and national development,” Horsfall mentioned.
One of Prof Nnaji’s earliest public contributions got here at the inaugural Grand Award Night in Abuja on 9 October 2004, the place he delivered the keynote handle, “Leapfrogging Science and Technology in Nigeria.” The handle strengthened the Prize’s founding ambition to promote science and know-how as drivers of nationwide improvement. His early endorsement and advocacy additionally helped construct consciousness of the initiative amongst scientists, policymakers and different stakeholders.
His engagement deepened in 2013 when he participated in a stakeholder assessment convened by NLNG to strengthen the Prize’s governance and administration. His strategic steerage contributed to reforms that strengthened its processes and renewed stakeholder confidence.
His contribution to the assessment supported reforms that strengthened the Prize’s processes and renewed stakeholder confidence in its administration.
In recognition of his sustained service, Professor Nnaji was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation in 2022. In that position, he has continued to help the Prize’s worldwide attain, drawing on his skilled standing and intensive community to deepen engagement with main scientists and researchers all over the world.
Falade mentioned Professor Nnaji’s relationship with the Prize had grown past his formal tasks, making him an vital a part of its institutional historical past. He mentioned, ‘to Professor Nnaji, you are family and we celebrate this milestone accomplishment with you and your loved ones. We wish you good health so you can continue your remarkable contributions to society and Nigeria’s improvement’.
“Professor Nnaji is part of the history of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation and a valued member of the NLNG family. As he marks this important milestone, we celebrate his distinguished record as a scientist, public servant and leader in Nigeria’s power industry. We wish him good health and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and the wider society,” she added.
The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation established in 2004 and sponsored by NLNG recognises scientists and innovators whose work presents sensible options to challenges of significance to Nigeria. The competitors is open to entries from all over the world.
A.I
July 19, 2026
Tags: Adeleye Falade NLNG Professor Bart Nnaji Sophia Horsfall