Uche Cecil Izuora
Indigenous oil and gas company, Axxela Limited, has set the stage to strengthen its post divestment governance structure with the appointment of new non-executive Board members to deepen strategic oversight and strengthen corporate governance in support of the company’s next phase of exponential growth.
The newly appointed Board members are Nzan Ogbe (Chairman of the Board), Eric Idiahi, Dolu Olugbenjo, Olufemi Okin, Moshood Olajide, Kaat Van Hecke and Jeremy Bending.
Their combined experience in business leadership, financial management, and infrastructure development will strengthen the company’s post-divestment governance framework and guide the company as it expands its gas infrastructure footprint and delivers sustainable energy solutions across industries and markets.
Nzan Ogbe, Chairman of the Board, is the founder and first CEO of Levene Energies and the chairman of LPV Energies. He is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building businesses across sectors, including commercial trading, energy, real estate, and telecoms. His leadership and commitment to sustainability have established him as one of Africa’s most resourceful business leaders.
Eric Idiahi is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic investor with over 20 years of experience building and backing businesses that are shaping Africa’s future. He co-founded Evercorp Industries and previously served as a partner at Verod Capital Management. He has raised more than $1 billion for businesses across key sectors of the African economy.
Dolu Olugbenjo is an Executive Director at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management and serves as Chief Investment Officer of the Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund. He has over 20 years of experience, including leading debt advisory transactions for a wide range of clients.
Moshood Olajide is an experienced oil and gas industry operator with an extensive track record in operational excellence, business growth, and strategic transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master of Law degree from Columbia University in New York. He is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and licensed to practice law in Nigeria and New York. He takes over from Timothy Ononiwu as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.
Kaat Van Hecke has over two decades of relevant professional experience spanning several jurisdictions, including Nigeria, Austria, the Netherlands, Russia, and Kazakhstan. She serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director in Serica Energy PLC, London/Aberdeen, and in Trinity Exploration and Production PLC, London/Trinidad and Tobago.
Jeremy Bending has wide experience of unbundling and market liberalization in the UK energy industry. He is also experienced in international M&A activities and disposals. He is a Chartered Engineer who has been closely involved in implementing and maintaining safety and engineering management systems.
Olufemi Okin is a seasoned financial services executive with over a decade of progressive experience, spanning trusteeship, capital markets, corporate governance and legal advisory services. He is recognised for driving sustainable profitability, securing high-value corporate and public trust mandates, and fostering strong relationships across key stakeholders.
Speaking on the Board appointments, the Chairman, Nzan Ogbe, said, “It is a privilege to assume the role of Chairman and to work alongside my fellow directors and the management team to provide strong governance, strategic oversight, and guidance as the company continues its growth journey.”
The new board members bring a wealth of experience across oil & gas, banking, consulting, asset management, and private equity, and are well-positioned to strengthen oversight and drive sustainable growth.
As Axxela continues to expand its infrastructure investments and deepen its role in advancing cleaner, more reliable energy solutions, the expertise and perspective of the new board members will be key to shaping the company’s strategic direction.