Members of the Lagos Island-based social club, Eko Boys To Men (EBTM), applauded the appointment of their president, Effiong Okon, as chief executive officer of Seplat Energy.

Mr Okon’s appointment will take effect from August 1, 2026.

The EBTM members on Wednesday in Lagos described the appointment as a proud moment for the association and its global membership.

They congratulated Mr Okon on the achievement, saying it reflected decades of dedication, professionalism, integrity and exemplary leadership.

“We are immensely proud of our president. His appointment is well deserved and reflects his remarkable contributions to the energy industry,” a member said.

Another member said Mr Okon’s rise demonstrated the rewards of hard work, competence, perseverance and commitment to excellence.

“His journey inspires younger professionals. It shows that diligence and consistency can lead to the highest levels of corporate leadership,” he said.

EBTM is an all-male association comprising individuals with roots in Lagos Island, where many members were born and educated.

The club consists largely of childhood friends who have maintained close bonds through shared experiences and longstanding relationships.

Its membership spans finance, engineering, insurance, public service, media, entertainment and several other professional fields.

While many members reside in Nigeria, others live across Europe, North America, the Middle East and other parts of the world.

Members of the club expressed confidence that Mr Okon’s extensive experience would position Seplat Energy for sustained growth and innovation.

“We are confident he will build on the company’s achievements and guide it successfully through the evolving energy landscape,” another member said.

Industry analysts believe the leadership transition will ensure continuity while advancing Seplat’s ambitions in upstream and midstream operations.

Mr Okon succeeds Roger Brown, who will retire and leave Seplat Energy’s board on July 31 after six years as chief executive officer.

His appointment crowns a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced energy executives, Mr Okon possesses extensive expertise in upstream operations, gas development and energy transition initiatives.

Before his elevation, he served as Seplat Energy’s executive director, new energy.

In that role, he spearheaded the company’s strategic investments in cleaner energy solutions and emerging energy technologies.

He previously served as operations director, overseeing major production assets and strengthening operational efficiency across Seplat’s portfolio.

Mr Okon also held the position of managing director of the ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC).

The ANOH project is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most strategic gas infrastructure developments.

Under his leadership, the ANOH gas processing plant progressed towards commercial readiness and enhanced domestic gas utilisation objectives.

His professional career began with leading international oil and gas companies.

During those years, he gained extensive experience in engineering, project management, production operations and asset optimisation.

Over time, he earned a reputation for successfully delivering complex projects and improving operational performance.

Industry observers describe him as a seasoned executive with deep knowledge of Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.

His appointment underscores Seplat Energy’s confidence in his ability to lead the company through its next phase of expansion.

The company also announced a significant board transition involving one of Nigeria’s most prominent business leaders.

Seplat disclosed that businessman and investor Tony Elumelu will become chairman of the board from January 1, 2027.

Mr Elumelu will succeed Udoma Udo Udoma, who is expected to conclude his tenure at the end of 2026.

Analysts say the combination of Mr Okon’s industry expertise and Mr Elumelu’s business acumen could strengthen Seplat’s strategic direction.

The EBTM members said they looked forward to seeing their president achieve even greater milestones in the years ahead.

“We have always known his capabilities. Today, the entire association celebrates this landmark achievement and wishes him continued success,” a member said. 

(NAN)