By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide rolled out the drums on Friday, November 21, 2025, as the Managing Director/CEO of Renaissance African Energy Company Limited, Chief Tony Attah, FNSE, made a historic homecoming to Nigeria’s premier university through UIAA Worldwide…the Alumni, a visit that left a lasting imprint on infrastructure, empowerment, and scholarship across the campus.
Attah, who was invited to deliver the 2025 UIAA
Annual Alumni Lecture/Homecoming at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, Dr. Michael Omolayole Alumni Complex, used the opportunity to execute multiple transformative projects in honour of his alma mater.
Renaissance JV Unveils Synthetic Mini Football Pitch for UI
One of the major highlights of the homecoming was the inauguration of a state-of-the-art synthetic mini football pitch, donated by Renaissance and its joint venture partners — NNPC Limited, TotalEnergies, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources.
The facility, named the “Renaissance JV Arena,” was described by Attah as a “lasting symbol of excellence, vision, and commitment to youth and community development within the University of Ibadan.” The project instantly became a standout addition to the university’s sports infrastructure.
Personal Philanthropy: Attah Renovates Independence Hall Reading Rooms, Supports ‘Light Up UI’ Project
In addition to corporate donations, Chief Attah — a proud Worthy Ambassador of UI — sponsored the full renovation of the Independence Hall reading rooms, the same residence where he lived as a young undergraduate.
He also collaborated with fellow UI alumni working at Renaissance to support the ‘Light Up UI Project’, a solar-powered streetlighting initiative undertaken by the UIAA–Renaissance Chapter.
UIAA Honours Attah with Most Distinguished Alumnus Award
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the oil and gas industry, his leadership in sustainable energy advocacy, and his commitment to education and community upliftment, the UI Alumni Association conferred on him the prestigious Most Distinguished Alumnus (MDA) Award alongside an Award of Excellence during the Friday ceremony.
Alumni Lecture: “Energy Security Is the Gateway to Nigeria’s Economic Emancipation” — Attah
Delivering the 2025 UIAA Alumni Lecture titled “Energy, Security and Economic Sustainability: The Role of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector in National Development,” Attah underscored the critical link between energy access and economic growth.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s development cannot be achieved without confronting energy poverty, arguing that economic transformation would remain elusive unless the country fully leverages its oil and gas resources in a sustainable manner.
“Energy and economic growth are inseparable. With energy security comes economic opportunities that can transform the lives of millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Attah described Renaissance African Energy Company Limited as “a child of necessity” positioned to champion Africa’s industrialisation drive by placing Nigeria at the centre of the continent’s development agenda.
“With Renaissance, it’s a new beginning. We are rallying private and public stakeholders to frontally address the energy poverty that has held us back for decades,” he added.
Warm Reception at Faculty of Technology
Earlier in the day, Chief Attah was received at the Faculty of Technology by the Dean, Professor Isaac Bamgboye, alongside other principal officers who applauded his contributions and celebrated his achievements as a distinguished alumnus of the faculty.
A Homecoming Marked by Impact
Chief Tony Attah’s 2025 homecoming was more than a lecture; it was a celebration of legacy, leadership, and loyalty to a university that shaped his early years. His projects and commitments are now etched into the UI landscape, further strengthening the bond between the institution and one of its most illustrious ambassadors.