Oil and gas industry leader and Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore Limited, Mr. Julius Rone, has been honoured with two major national awards in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector.

Rone was named New Telegraph Personality of the Year 2025, while also clinching the Sun Newspaper Investor of the Year Award, marking a significant endorsement of his role in advancing gas development and large-scale investment in the country.

Widely regarded in industry circles as the “Gas King,” Rone has gained prominence for his visionary leadership, particularly through UTM Offshore’s pioneering Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project—the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The FLNG project, which enjoys the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria First policy, is designed to produce 1.5 million tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) annually for export, alongside 300,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for domestic consumption. Industry analysts say the development is set to usher in a new phase of growth for Nigeria’s gas sector and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global energy market.

Rone’s strategic partnership drive has been central to the project’s progress. In 2023, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) acquired a 20 per cent equity stake in the project, while the Delta State Government took an 8 per cent stake. UTM FLNG retains 72 per cent ownership, a structure that reflects increasing confidence in indigenous capacity and private-sector leadership.

Located at the Yoho field within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 104, about 60 kilometres offshore, the UTM FLNG facility is expected to monetise 2.2 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves over a 20-year period. The project is also positioned as a cleaner energy solution, aimed at reducing gas flaring while supplying both local and international markets.

Further strengthening Rone’s profile as a leading industrialist is the project’s financing success. Under his leadership, UTM Offshore secured Afreximbank as lead financier, raising $2 billion for Phase One of the project, with an additional $3 billion committed for Phase Two—an achievement that underscores strong investor confidence amid stiff global competition for energy financing.

Rone’s career spans decades across both public and private sectors. He previously served at the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) before founding and leading the UTM Group of Companies from 2008. His experience has shaped a leadership style rooted in administrative expertise, resilience, and a deep understanding of the Niger Delta’s development challenges.

His commitment to global standards and environmental responsibility has also drawn commendation. By engaging international firms such as JGC Holdings, Technip Energies, and KBR, and undertaking extensive environmental and social impact assessments, Rone has ensured that the FLNG project aligns with international best practices and sustainable development goals.

The New Telegraph Personality of the Year 2025 award, alongside the Sun Newspaper Investor of the Year honour, celebrates Julius Rone as a symbol of indigenous innovation, strategic leadership, and national pride.

Observers say his achievements are not only reshaping Nigeria’s gas narrative but also inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to pursue Nigerian-led solutions to global energy challenges.