Effortlessly, Julius Rone, OFR, the head honcho of Nigerian energy conglomerate, owners of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG), who is fondly called The Gas King, personifies the kernel of Vince Lombardi’s famous quote: “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while; you don’t do things right once in a while; you do them right all of the time. Winning is a habit.”
Rone’s life unfurls like a banquet where every guest is offered a feast of triumphs. There are little gardens of ecstasy on the table for everyone. Knowing him is exhilarating and being in his orbit is ennobling.
You can never show enough appreciation for all he is worth. Little wonder the Royal Iwere Society has decided to bestow upon him, an honour that resonates far beyond the oil fields, into the hearts of a community whose pulse he has always sought to uplift. …CONTINUE READING
On August 24, 2024, as the prestigious halls of Aghofen, the Palace of the Olu of Warri, will shimmer in appreciation as Rone is crowned with one of the greatest accolades of his storied life: the inaugural Royal Iwere Society Award.
This honour, bestowed upon a man who has shaped not just industries but entire communities, comes just months after his fiftieth birthday—a fitting homage to a life lived in luminous pursuit of excellence.
The Royal Iwere Society Award: A Crown of Cultural Reverence
It is fitting that the Royal Iwere Society should honour Julius Rone with their inaugural award—a recognition reserved for those who have not only excelled in their fields but have also elevated the cultural and economic fabric of the Itsekiri people. Rone’s achievements resonate deeply within the Warri Kingdom, where his success is seen as a beacon of what is possible for future generations.
In the letter of invitation, the Royal Iwere Society expressed their admiration for Rone’s dedication to his community: “Your achievements have deeply resonated within the Itsekiri community, setting an exemplary standard for future generations, and fostering a pioneering spirit that fortifies the cultural and economic fabric of our revered Warri Kingdom.”
For Rone, this award is more than a personal accolade; it is a reflection of his lifelong commitment to uplifting those around him. His philanthropy has long been woven into the tapestry of his life, with initiatives ranging from educational programs to healthcare facilities, all aimed at transforming lives in underserved communities. His foundation has become a beacon of hope, providing scholarships and vocational training that empower young Africans to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.
A Visionary’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Titan
Julius Rone’s story reads like an epic penned by time itself—a journey carved out of the dusty plains of Warri and refined in the gleaming corridors of global oil giants. Born into modest means, Rone’s early fascination with geology and the energy world would be the first sparks that ignited his relentless pursuit of greatness. His early life in Warri was not merely a phase; it was the crucible in which his dreams of transforming Africa’s energy landscape were forged.
With a mind sharpened by curiosity and a heart emboldened by ambition, Julius Rone ventured into the oil and gas sector with a vision that few could see, let alone comprehend. But for Rone, it was not just about extracting the earth’s resources; it was about unlocking the potential within Africa’s soil to fuel a brighter, more sustainable future. And so, with determination as his compass, he founded UTM Offshore Limited—a company that would redefine Nigeria’s energy sector and set the stage for its global influence.
Transforming Nigeria’s Energy Landscape: The Gas King’s Crown Jewel
Under Rone’s leadership, UTM Offshore has not only risen to prominence but has also spearheaded one of the most ambitious energy projects in Nigerian history. His pioneering role in developing Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) facility stands as a testament to his visionary leadership. This project, an engineering marvel in its own right, has catapulted Nigeria onto the world stage as a key player in the global energy transition.
The FLNG facility, capable of producing millions of tons of liquefied natural gas annually, is more than just a structure—it is a symbol of what can be achieved when vision meets action. It has attracted significant foreign investment, created thousands of jobs, and fostered economic growth in local communities. But perhaps more importantly, it has set new standards for environmental stewardship in an industry often criticized for its impact on the planet. Under Rone’s guidance, UTM Offshore has embraced cutting-edge technologies that minimize carbon emissions and promote sustainability, ensuring that the future of energy is not just prosperous but also green.
Philanthropy and Legacy: Empowering the Next Generation
Julius Rone’s legacy is not just one of industry but of empowerment. He has always understood that true success is measured not by personal achievements but by the positive impact one has on others. This belief has driven him to channel his resources into philanthropic endeavors that uplift entire communities. From building schools to funding healthcare initiatives, Rone’s efforts have transformed lives and fostered hope in places where it was once in short supply.
His commitment to education, in particular, has been nothing short of transformative. Through scholarships and vocational training programs, he has provided countless young Africans with the tools they need to achieve their dreams. These initiatives are more than just charitable acts; they are investments in the future of a continent brimming with potential. By empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, Rone is ensuring that his legacy will endure long after his own journey has ended.
Rone’s Next Chapter
As Julius Rone stands at the precipice of a new decade, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see the next chapters of his remarkable story unfold. His fifty years on this earth have been a testament to what can be achieved when vision, determination, and compassion converge. And yet, it feels as though this is only the beginning.
Rone’s legacy is already enshrined in the annals of history, but it is a legacy that promises to grow even more luminous in the years to come. As he continues to forge new paths in the oil and gas industry, champion sustainable practices, and empower the next generation of leaders, one thing is certain: Julius Rone’s journey is far from over.
In celebrating him, we celebrate not just a man, but a vision—one that has the power to shape the future of Africa and beyond. As the Royal Iwere Society honours him, so too do we honour the possibilities that his life’s work has unlocked for generations to come.
