Forbes nominates Baru as Oil & Gas Man of Year

New York-based world acclaimed media organisation, Forbes Media, has nominated the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, as the Forbes Best of Africa Oil and Gas Man of the Year 2017 Award. His nomination for the prestigious award was conveyed to the NNPC via a letter dated October 11, 2017 and signed by President, Customs Solutions Media, Mark Furlong, on behalf of Forbes Media, according to a statement by the NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu. Forbes said the award is specially given to top oil and gas personalities who have made far-reaching and positive contributions to the development of the sector, and have caused sustained stability of the economy in which they operate. It said it had “followed with keen interest” Baru’s rising profile and impressive career path through the years. “For these and other landmark achievements which you have recorded throughout your enviable career, your nomination for this prestigious Forbes 2017 Award has been approved by Forbes Custom’s Award Committee. This award will be conferred on you by Forbe’s Mark Furlong.” According to the organisation, the award ceremony would be graced by doyens of the international oil and gas business community, policy makers, entrepreneurs, politicians and opinion leaders, among others. In his 18-month stewardship as chief executive of the NNPC so far, the First Class honours (Mechanical Engineering) graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has received many awards and accolades affirming his leadership qualities, such as the PETAN Appreciation Award for the promotion of the growth of Nigerian Companies and Entrepreneurs in the Petroleum Industry. Others included the PETAN 2017 Oil and Gas Industry Award in recognition of NNPC’s aggressive exploration campaign in the Benue Trough and the Chad Basin, as well as the Diamond Award in recognition of NNPC’s support and contribution towards the success of SPE’s NAICE 2017, among others.