Uche Cecil Izuora
Key oil and gas industry stakeholders have poured encomium as co-founder and pioneer Managing Director of Falcon Corporation Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous gas companies, Professor Joseph Chukwurah Ezigbo,
celebrated his legacy, career, and leadership.
Ezigbo, retired after 31 years of distinguished service.
The ceremony, held in Lagos, brought together leaders from the oil and gas and banking sectors, industry stakeholders, colleagues, former students, family, and friends to honour a career marked by academic excellence, visionary leadership, and national impact.
Professor Ezigbo, a former lecturer and Professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, co-founded Falcon Corporation Limited with his wife in 1994. Under his leadership, the company evolved into a respected force in Nigeria’s gas sector, delivering energy solutions that power homes, industries, and businesses nationwide.
Widely regarded as a “Gas Man to the Core,” Professor Ezigbo has spent five decades excelling in both academia and business. He holds a BSc from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a DIC and MSc from Imperial College London, and a PhD from the University of Salford, Manchester.
He taught for 25 years at the University of Nigeria, mentoring generations of students and serving in key leadership roles.
His contributions have earned him several honours, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year West Africa (2014) and Anambra Man of the Year (2025).
Speaking at the event, Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Corporation Limited, described Professor Ezigbo’s leadership as transformative. She noted that celebrating Prof Ezigbo is “recognition of his years of service and the enduring standards he established — standards of excellence, accountability, and people-centred leadership that will continue to guide Falcon as it moves confidently into the next phase of our growth and transformation.
His legacy is one that will remain a reference point for leadership within this organisation for years to come,” she said.
Ambassador Ozo Nwobu, a retired Nigerian career diplomat and former Ambassador to Mozambique, paid tribute to Professor Ezigbo’s human-centred leadership.
He described him as a rare blend of professionalism and genuine connection, adding that his career demonstrates that true leadership is measured by lives touched and relationships built. “Professor Ezigbo exemplifies leadership rooted in service, empathy, and integrity, leaving an imprint that extends far beyond titles and positions,” he said.
Guests shared heartfelt tributes reflecting Professor Ezigbo’s mentorship and influence across sectors, praising his ethical leadership and lasting contributions to Nigeria’s energy industry.
Beyond corporate and academic achievements, his philanthropy continues to create opportunities for young Nigerians.
The ceremony was a celebration of tenacity, integrity, and purpose, underscoring the enduring impact of Professor Joseph Chukwurah Ezigbo’s work across academia, industry, and society. His legacy stands as a lasting testament to leadership, service, and nation-building.