Despite the remarkable achievements of Udom Inoyo, the former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Nigeria, his humility and modesty continue to define him. His distinctive demeanour sets him apart as an individual widely admired by those who interact with him. Recently, the University of Uyo bestowed on him an honorary doctorate of law, a testament to his outstanding contributions, writes Vanessa Obioha
When the Council and Senate of the University of Uyo convened to acknowledge and honour iconic Nigerians at its recent combined convocation ceremony, a unanimous decision was reached to include the retired oil executive and philanthropist, Udom Inoyo, on the distinguished list. This choice stands as a clear testament to Inoyo’s outstanding leadership and remarkable achievements. Consequently, at the ceremony, his philanthropic endeavours and corporate leadership resonated prominently as he was bestowed with an honorary doctorate of law.
Hailing from Ikot Okoro-Ubium, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Inoyo commands deep respect in the region, thanks to his substantial contributions that have left a lasting impact on various communities.
An exemplary instance highlighted during the ceremony underscores his role in elevating the state’s status amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Inoyo facilitated the donation of a $100,000 Molecular PCR testing equipment to Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo, a gesture that distinguished Akwa Ibom as the only state in Nigeria with two PCR machines for testing suspected COVID-19 cases. His generosity not only saved numerous lives but also addressed various health challenges. Notably, Inoyo was enlisted in the post-COVID-19 Economic Reconstruction Committee by the state government, underscoring his active involvement in shaping an economic roadmap for the state’s recovery.
A holder of degrees in political science and law from the University of Calabar, Inoyo served as the Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil until his retirement in 2020. His professional journey began in the administrations of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. However, his career experienced a meteoric ascent within Nigeria’s Upstream Oil and Gas industry, where he spent approximately 16 years on the Board of ExxonMobil Companies before ascending to the role of Vice Chairman in 2018.
The accomplished professional commenced his oil and gas career in the industry at Mobil Producing Nigeria in 1989. By 1998, he had moved to Mobil Exploration and Production in New Orleans, followed by assignments at ExxonMobil Inter-America in Coral Gables, Florida, and ExxonMobil Production Company in Houston, Texas, USA. In 2000, Udom transitioned to Belgium, contributing to the Center of Expertise for Compensation and Benefits at ExxonMobil Petroleum and Chemical BV in Brussels. He returned to Nigeria in 2001, taking on the role of Manager of Human Resources Policies and Programs. Inoyo was appointed General Manager of External Relations in 2002, which enabled him to interface with critical stakeholders to mitigate the crisis in the oil-producing region. These engagements would also occur outside Nigeria, providing him with the platform to engage with relevant US Government departments, members of Congress, and non-profit groups to inform and elicit broad-spectrum support to resolving the restiveness. In 2007, he was identified by President Olusegun Obasanjo as one of the country’s Economic Drivers and Bridge Builders. Udom was elected to the Board of Mobil Producing Nigeria as an Executive Director in 2004.
In 2006, he assumed the In-Country Human Resources Manager position and, beyond numerous strategic representations at various industry and government platforms, also served as the Chairman of the Human Resources Sub-Committee of the Oil Producers Trade Sector of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (OPTS). He utilized this platform to educate critical stakeholders about industry issues and peculiarities, promote Oil and Gas project resourcing, facilitate Nigerian Workforce Development, and secure a stable work environment through positive National Labour Union engagement. In 2017, Udom was appointed by the Presidency to serve on a committee for the interview and selection of would-be Federal Permanent Secretaries in Nigeria. He also served as the National President and Chairman of the Council of the Country’s Human Resources regulatory body, The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM).
Inoyo holds memberships in the Nigerian Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria, the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, and the Danne Institute for Research Board, and serves as a trustee for the Women in Energy Network. Recognized with numerous professional and community awards, in 2012, the ExxonMobil Cooperative Society honoured Udom for his leadership and commitment to corporate governance by naming a one-hundred-unit Housing Estate at Ajah-Lagos “INOYO HAVEN” in appreciation of his contributions.
He is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and Thunderbird School of Global Management, USA. He is currently studying at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Inoyo’s passion lies in education, human capacity, and development. In 2007, he founded the Inoyo Toro Foundation in response to the private sector’s role in the education field. The foundation has garnered acclaim for its substantial impact, including a noteworthy investment of N500 million in the enhancement of teaching and learning in Akwa Ibom. A standout achievement was identifying Mr. Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo, a young Physics teacher, who, after receiving multiple awards from the Foundation, went on to earn the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Award in September 2022. Additionally, the foundation sponsored the 2021 Akwa Ibom Tech Week Pitch Competition, fostering innovation in the state.
Still demonstrating his commitment to quality education, Udom established a library in his village of Ikot Okoro-Ubium, providing valuable learning resources and development opportunities for students.
His influence is prominently evident at the University of Uyo. In 2014, he served as the Guest Speaker at the 19th/20th Convocation, and the following year, played a pivotal role in the creation of the International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR) at the University. Continuing his support, in 2017, he backed the University’s Live Theatre Performance ‘’Adiahaobong,’ a stage adaptation of Effiong Johnson’s play, ‘Install The Princess.’
Additional efforts he endorsed for human capacity and development involved collaborating with the Royal Arts Academy to launch Akwa Ibom’s first film monotechnic. This initiative provided training in various aspects of the film industry, including script writing, cinematography, and film editing. Furthermore, he established the Ray Ekpu Annual Award for Investigative Journalism in 2021, aiming to enhance the capabilities of journalists in Akwa Ibom state. Additionally, he fostered an interest in creative writing among the youth of Akwa Ibom State by hosting Professor Joseph A. Ushie during his conferment with the Fellowship of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Despite his remarkable achievements, Inoyo remains humble and modest. His demeanour sets him apart as an outstanding and admired individual by those who interact with him. This quality was evident in his speech at the convocation ceremony where he underscored the importance of Nigerians embracing time-tested values such as discipline, hard work, and honesty for the revitalization of the nation. He illustrated this point using the analogy of a mirror reflecting one’s true status.
“We all have our roles to play. This university must peep into its mirror and drive only activities that elevate it as a citadel of learning. The graduating students must also act on the school’s motto: Unity, Learning and Service, just as our political, religious, and traditional leaders must be conscious of the place of history in their lives and lead with integrity. Then, the almighty followers must awaken to supporting only credible leaders.”
