* Industry groups applaud

Sopuruchi Onwuka

Nigeria’s leading indigenous midstream and downstream petroleum industry player, Falcon Corporation Limited, has declared Mrs Audrey Joe-Ezigbo the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The announcement which was made on Friday spread excitement across the nation’s petroleum industry circles as congratulations poured in.

The Oracle Intelligence reports that top industry captains, groups and professionals inundated social media pages with jubilant messages, expressing support and appreciation for the new head of the company.

The Oracle Intelligence reports that Falcon is one of the indigenous independent companies driving evolution of the domestic gas market; and Audrey has been steadfast in helping build the company from Falcongaz Limited, a small niche player, through Falcon Petroleum Limited with growth portfolios, to Falcon Corporation Limited which is now one of the most diversified gas companies in the country.

With the appointment, Audrey Joe-Ezigbo becomes the CEO of a leading indigenous midstream and downstream energy company in the country.

Enthusiasts point at her exceptional leadership skills, impressive academic accomplishments and professional pedigrees as overdose of capacity that will soon translate to greater fortunes of the company.

With multiple master’s degrees and executive certifications from top institutions like Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, Audrey has been an outstanding figure in the global gas stage where she contributes to debates that shape policies and programmes that fuel homes and businesses.

She remains the only female President of the Nigerian Gas Association and one of the very few African women to sit in the board of the International Gas Union (IGU).

Audrey Joe-Ezigbo is also a founding and outstanding member of the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), the leading advocates of gender equity in the leadership of energy industry in Nigeria. She is also a Fellow of the Energy Institute UK.

Already, industry groups, including the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) and WIEN have  welcomed her appointment with anticipation, expecting her to drive innovation and growth in the sector.

The plaudits that swirl around Audrey’s appointment also recognize her many other positive qualities, roles, impacts and activities.

In a remarkable journey spanning over three decades, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo has evolved from a passionate entrepreneur to a renowned social crusader, change agent, gender equity advocate, and life coach.

Audrey has worked hard and delivered incredible accomplishments for her companies, the industry and the Nigerian society.

Audrey has been instrumental in shaping Falcon Corporation Limited which she founded with her husband, Prof. Joe Ezigbo, as businesses model to environmental activism.

Over time, the need to shape policies that archive the industry aspiration of reducing flares and related emissions prompted Audrey into industry leadership roles.

Her knowledge, expertise and influence quickly earned her recognition and assimilation into full stream industry thought leadership. And observers have continued to reward her with recognitions and awards.

She received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year West Africa 2014 Award; Lagos Business School Distinguished Alumni Award 2018, Leading Ladies Africa 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria 2019, and PowerWoman 100 list in the Oil & Gas category.

While soared, her business also grew.

Falcon Corporation recently activated plans for the development of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facility and a dedicated jetty in Rivers State.

Audrey also stands out as a passionate life coach who mentors early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs, helping them take their lives and businesses to new heights.

She also volunteers her time as a mentor in various nonprofit organizations, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community.

Through her journey, Audrey Joe-Ezigbo has relentlessly inspired others with her entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and dedication to making a positive impact.

She prefers being described not as millionaire but as the impactionaire.