The managing director and CEO of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Bamanga Usman Jada, has expressed gratitude over his award as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Public Sector Of The Year 2024 from LEADERSHIP Group.
Speaking on Monday when the management of LEADERSHIP Group, led by its vice chairman, Mike Okpere, presented the nomination award to him in his Abuja office, Jada emphasised the LEADERSHIP Media’s credibility and the significance of being recognised for contributions to Nigeria’s national development.
Jada pledged to serve as a good ambassador for LEADERSHIP, committing to upholding its values and making the organisation proud.
“LEADERSHIP is a household name in Nigeria. And it’s a very reputable, credible, responsible and responsive organisation. For anyone to be nominated for any award from the LEADERSHIP Group, that person must have to be outstanding, and must have added some values in our national development.
“Therefore, I cannot thank you enough for finding me worthy of this award. I want to assure you that we will keep doing our best. We will make you proud. And from today, I am your ambassador. I will do everything humanly possible to represent you well. I will do everything humanly possible to make you proud any day, any time,” Jada promised.
Speaking earlier, vice chairman of LEADERSHIP Group Mike Okpere said that his nomination by the board and management of the Group was purely based on the merit of his contribution to the nation‘s well-being. He said Jada is among the few Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields.
Okpere said the award is LEADERSHIP’s way of giving back to society, as part of corporate social responsibility to society and to Nigeria.
He said the award is to recognise persons who have impacted the nation, be it through economic emancipation, philanthropic deeds, or innovations, among others.
Speaking at the presentation of the award nomination letter to the OGFZA boss,
The director of the LEADERSHIP Conference, Abraham Nda-Isaiah, on his part, said Jada won the nomination for the award due to his contribution to the growth of the nation’s oil and gas sector.
He noted that under his leadership, OGFZA established two major oil and gas free zones in 2024: the 50,000 MT LPG Notore Oil and Gas Free Zone Facility in Onne, Rivers State, projected to attract over $5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and create approximately 15,000 jobs; and a 20,000 MT LPG facility in Akwa Ibom State, expected to generate over $10 billion in investments and more than 7,000 jobs.
These initiatives underscore Jada’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s economic landscape through strategic investments.
Jada’s tenure has also been marked by the attraction of over $24 billion in FDI to OGFZA, including significant projects like the Brass Industrial Park and a $3.3 billion deal with China for developing a methanol plant and gas gathering pipelines. His efforts have not gone unnoticed; OGFZA received the Best Federal MDA for Ease of Doing Business Automation award from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), highlighting his transformative leadership.
Educated at the Federal University of Technology Yola and the University of Central Lancashire, Jada’s career spans various roles in finance and project management within Nigeria’s energy sector. His affiliations with professional institutions reflect his dedication to continuous improvement and governance excellence.
