{"id":13874,"date":"2023-08-22T15:58:22","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T15:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/?p=13874"},"modified":"2023-08-22T16:09:45","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T16:09:45","slug":"25-under-40-energy-women-rising-stars-ibilola-akinnola","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/25-under-40-energy-women-rising-stars-ibilola-akinnola\/","title":{"rendered":"25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars: Ibilola Akinnola"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Africa\u2019s energy sector expands, innovative approaches to exploring, developing and distributing energy are required. Featured on Africa\u2019s\u00a0<em>25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars<\/em>\u00a0list is Ibilola Akinnola, who currently serves as an LNG Shipbroker at Maersk. Akinnola spoke with the African Energy Chamber  about the industry, some of the challenges she faced and what message she has for young females aspiring to excel in the energy sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Please share a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My journey in the energy sector started as a young lawyer in Lagos, Nigeria. After finishing my undergraduate degree in the UK and returning to Nigeria for law school, my interest in corporate law shifted to oil and gas law. As Nigeria remains predominantly an exporting country, oil and gas law ultimately led me to shipping law. My interest in the energy industry was sparked by my work at ACAS-Law (now Dentons ACAS-Law) as an oil and gas solicitor and shipping barrister. Due to the global nature of the shipping business, my experience as both a maritime barrister and oil and gas solicitor involved working on transactions for notable entities such as APM Terminals and NNPC on matters ranging from an arrest of a vessel in Nigerian waters to oil field acquisitions in the Niger Delta region for regional companies such as Seplat Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Subsequently, I decide to return to the United Kingdom to further my understanding of the industry, by embarking on a master\u2019s degree in International Shipping Law with a focus on trade disparities in the application of international shipping conventions in developing countries vs developed countries and the goal of specializing in shipping as a commodity. My master&#8217;s degree highlighted the need for energy development in developing nations, particularly in African countries. I completed my master\u2019s degree in 2020 and began working as an energy trainee for Energias de Portugal (EDP), a Lisbon-based Portuguese energy company, further expanding my network into European energy. This elevated me into price reporting at S&amp;P Global, where I emerged as the sole market specialist for LNG freight markets in the Atlantic basin. It was here I saw the consolidation of all my contacts in Africa, Europe, and other locations as I analyzed and priced LNG shipping deals done west of the Suez Canal, covering Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This journey paved the way for my current role as an LNG Shipbroker at Maersk Broker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the course of my career, which has covered three major continents, I have achieved a multitude of outstanding feats and pivotal milestones, these achievements include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dentons Acas-Law legal team due diligence the oil field acquisition of OPL 276, situated in the eastern Niger Delta region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pioneering the conceptualization and launch of two first-to-market price assessments during my tenure at S&amp;P Global. The first price assessment for two-stroke ships in the spot market to be assessed and published.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elevated the role of LNG freight market specialist at S&amp;P Global by amplifying visibility and fostering critical engagement on trade flow shifts. Notably, I was invited to present at the 44th Annual Caribbean Energy Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, January 2023.&nbsp; Engaging with regional stakeholders to analyse the effect of freight markets and trade dynamics within the Caribbean context.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving over 30% increase in engagement with African stakeholders in the LNG industry at Maersk Broker, looking to both small-scale LNG and larger scale shipping to ease entry into the global LNG shipping market of African entities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Navigating my journey, I encountered pivotal challenges that underscored the importance of access and opportunity. Foremost among these challenges was the perpetual struggle of gaining entry. Whether grappling with visa complexities as an international student seeking work in the UK during the pandemic&#8217;s peak or contending with visa delays inherent to my Nigerian passport, my pursuit as an African in a global industry was marked by shut doors. A notable instance materialized in October 2020 when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic not only shuttered international borders but also stagnated economies and hiring processes. This compelled me to depart from my role at EDP, returning to Nigeria and effectively commencing from square one at a juncture when I anticipated my career to flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the core of my approach lies the fundamental tenet, &#8220;Where there&#8217;s a will, there&#8217;s a way.&#8221; Confronting such challenges has honed my capacity to pivot and adapt. During the subsequent four months spent in my parents&#8217; Nigeria home, I dedicated myself to applying for international opportunities in shipping and energy that transcended geographical confines and offered visa sponsorships. I harnessed the power of LinkedIn to cultivate my online network, compensating for my inability to be physically present in London or Lisbon for industry engagement. It was during this phase that and soon thereafter the opportunity at S&amp;P Global came and I was back on a flight to London in February 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through persistence, adaptability, and a tenacious spirit, I&#8217;ve embraced the philosophy that challenges are not barriers but rather pathways to novel opportunities. My journey has reiterated the significance of resourcefulness in carving one&#8217;s way forward and leveraging my unique blend of cultures from working and living in different environments as a strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What advice would you give to young females aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For young women with aspirations to excel in the dynamic energy sector, I offer the following guidance: embrace the courage to stand out, for it is often in those moments of distinctiveness that we carve our path to success. Allow your curiosity to guide you across diverse industries, as every experience will contribute to your growth and versatility. Don&#8217;t be hesitant to welcome new challenges, for it is within these uncharted territories that your greatest innovation and capabilities can flourish. In a traditionally male-dominated field, it&#8217;s essential to recognize the power of your uniqueness. Your different perspective, insights, and approaches can yield solutions that may not have been considered before. The energy sector is continuously evolving, demanding fresh perspectives to address complex challenges and drive innovation. By daring to stand out, you not only bring your own voice to the table but also contribute to the transformation of an industry that would only ever thrive on diversity of thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In my role as a shipbroker, my days are a blend of diverse activities. I kickstart with emails, follow up on any ongoing discussions or shipping requirements from the days before and stay updated on the latest market developments. Engaging with clients in chartering discussions and opportunities, ensuring all viable opportunities are maximized. I delve into market research to provide accurate insights while continuously seeking networking opportunities enhances my industry connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guiding clients through decisions and creatively solving problems are fundamental components to the role. As the day winds down, I ensure updates are shared with clients and colleagues alike. It&#8217;s a fast-paced, rewarding role that relies on effective communication, thorough research, and adaptability to navigate the dynamic world of LNG shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector, and how do you envision your role in shaping that future?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking ahead, I envision a shift towards sustainable energy sources, driven by renewable technologies and innovative solutions to foster a greener future. In this landscape, I hope to bring a diverse perspective whereby I can merge my cultural insights with global industry trends and foster truly global trade in energy markets- particularly with the goal of maximizing Africa\u2019s full energy potential.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As Africa\u2019s energy sector expands, innovative approaches to exploring, developing and distributing energy are required. Featured on Africa\u2019s\u00a025 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars\u00a0list is Ibilola Akinnola, who currently serves &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/25-under-40-energy-women-rising-stars-ibilola-akinnola\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":13875,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11],"tags":[63,742,11306,7151,11307,4232],"class_list":["post-13874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-news","tag-africa","tag-energy","tag-ibilola-akinnola","tag-kng","tag-shipbroker","tag-women","entry"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1c5b8aac8d2e6fa73e7d7b3cfac5becc.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5JWkQ-3BM","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10773,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/nigeria-energy-chamber-salutes-president-buhari-signs-historic-petroleum-industry-bill-into-law\/","url_meta":{"origin":13874,"position":0},"title":"NIGERIA: Energy Chamber Salutes President Buhari Signs Historic Petroleum Industry Bill into Law","author":"","date":"August 18, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"The long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill has officially been signed into law, a month after it was voted through by both chambers of the National Assembly. After twenty-years of deliberation and revision, Nigeria\u2019s historic Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has officially been signed into law by H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari. The signing\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Countries&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Countries","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/countries\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/President-Buhari.jpg?fit=711%2C470&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/President-Buhari.jpg?fit=711%2C470&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/President-Buhari.jpg?fit=711%2C470&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/President-Buhari.jpg?fit=711%2C470&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8914,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/inaugural-nigeria-oil-gas-power-conference-set-for-lagos-in-2021\/","url_meta":{"origin":13874,"position":1},"title":"Inaugural Nigeria Oil, Gas &#038; Power Conference Set for Lagos in 2021","author":"","date":"August 19, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"With incredible potential for gas-to-power, LNG and downstream diversification to power Nigeria\u2019s economy in the long-term, the first-ever Nigeria Oil, Gas & Power (NOGP) Conference & Exhibition, held in Lagos on 26-27 October 2021, will focus on the path forward for Africa\u2019s largest economy post COVID-19 \u2014 with an emphasis\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Countries&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Countries","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/countries\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nigeria-Oil-Rig.jpg?fit=907%2C535&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nigeria-Oil-Rig.jpg?fit=907%2C535&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nigeria-Oil-Rig.jpg?fit=907%2C535&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Nigeria-Oil-Rig.jpg?fit=907%2C535&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14811,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/africa-energy-bank-gains-momentum-with-capital-contributions-from-nigeria-angola-and-ghana\/","url_meta":{"origin":13874,"position":2},"title":"Africa Energy Bank Gains Momentum with Capital Contributions from Nigeria, Angola and Ghana","author":"","date":"April 2, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0In a significant development for Africa's energy sector, Nigeria, Angola and Ghana have fulfilled their capital commitments toward establishing the Africa Energy Bank (AEB). This milestone represents 44% of the minimum required funding from African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) members to initiate the bank's operations. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Countries&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Countries","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/countries\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ReconAfrica-Rig.jpg?fit=403%2C518&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":8429,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/fifth-africas-energy-conference-set-for-october-2021\/","url_meta":{"origin":13874,"position":3},"title":"Fifth Africa\u2019s Energy Conference Set For October 2021","author":"","date":"June 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Africa Oil & Power (AOP) 2021 highlights African integration across borders throughout the entire energy value chain and examines the African investment environment post COVID-19; AOP 2021 welcomes presidents, ministers, national oil companies and utility heads, IPP and renewables executives and more for the fifth edition of Africa\u2019s Energy Conference;\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Countries&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Countries","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/countries\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Africa-Oil-Power.jpg?fit=489%2C352&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":10107,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/russia-africa-energy-committee-to-drive-investment-deal-making-in-the-energy-sector\/","url_meta":{"origin":13874,"position":4},"title":"Russia-Africa Energy Committee to Drive Investment &#038; Deal-making in the Energy Sector","author":"","date":"March 25, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"The inter-party online conference drew attention to the developments of Africa\u2019s energy market, navigating relations on the continent for Russia-Africa partnerships and highlighting the announcement of the creation of the Russia-Africa Energy Committee aimed at developing clean power and strategic framework towards the continent\u2019s energy crisis. While the agenda for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Countries&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Countries","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/countries\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Russia-Africa.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Russia-Africa.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Russia-Africa.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Russia-Africa.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Russia-Africa.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8744,"url":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/german-capital-technology-to-increase-in-africas-energy-sector\/","url_meta":{"origin":13874,"position":5},"title":"German Capital, Technology to Increase in Africa&#8217;s Energy Sector","author":"","date":"August 3, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"This week, the Germany-Africa Business Forum (GABF) is organizing an exclusive webinar to encourage new deals between German and African public and private energy stakeholders. This is an extremely timely initiative. Covid-19 has accelerated several major trends and dynamics within Africa\u2019s energy sector which are set to significantly increase the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Countries&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Countries","link":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/category\/countries\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/426d1cbe5ca1e7b1a6a25b888a354c90.jpeg?fit=800%2C533&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/426d1cbe5ca1e7b1a6a25b888a354c90.jpeg?fit=800%2C533&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/426d1cbe5ca1e7b1a6a25b888a354c90.jpeg?fit=800%2C533&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/426d1cbe5ca1e7b1a6a25b888a354c90.jpeg?fit=800%2C533&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13874"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13877,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13874\/revisions\/13877"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oilnewskenya.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}