Friends and associates of oil and gas magnate, Gbenga Joel Hashim, celebrated his accomplishments yesterday, as he marked his 56th birthday.
Born in June 1969 to a Yoruba mother and Hausa father from the Yelwa area of Yauri, Kebbi State, Hashim is the chairman of Transnational Energy Limited; the serving president of Covenant Altar of Worship Ministry (aka Upper Room Assembly) and chairman of Bresson A.S Limited, owners of the 90 Megawatts Magboro Independent Power Producing (IPP) project, among many other local and global business concerns.
Hashim’s facilitators include Bishop Sunday Timothy Adewole, Evangelist Stephen Awoyale, Dr Femi Joseph Ajiboye, Mrs Uzoamaka Okoli, Architect John Metu. Others include Minister Oche Edoh, Professor Olawepo, Comrade Bisi Fakayode, Hon Rukayat Shittu, Pastor Ayinla Samuel Ayodele among others.
Speaking on the need to celebrate the man, an associate said his friends and colleagues were planning to establish a process whereby the vast knowledge and foundation of the work laid down by the magnate were transmitted to future generation professionals.
There are also plans to document his laudable achievements as an avenue to improve Nigeria’s energy sector.
“By a rare mix of professionalism, self-discipline and refreshing relevance to contemporary needs of humanity, Hashim has impacted the lives of not just organisations but the lives of persons with whom he has interacted. This illustrious son of Nigeria is worthy of celebration and emulation,” another associate said.
Having graduated from the University of Lagos and the University of Buckingham, UK where he obtained a Masters degree in Global Affairs, graduating at the top of his class to secure the Max Bellof Prize for Global Affairs.
An early start in his professional career led to him spearhead several trade missions, business receptions, project tours, cocktails and special purpose diplomatic dinners addressing many multinational concerns.
His 33 years’ experience in the business world has seen him train for international petroleum management at the International Human Resources Development Center, Boston, Massachusetts, US.
He is also the chairman of Oilworld Limited, the operators of POL 241 at Continental Shelf of Nigeria.
Hashim is more than just an entrepreneur, he is an active Christian and politician, serving as the President of the Upper Room Assembly of the Covenant Altar of Worship, while his political career began with him working closely with late Chief Solomon Lar, and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi. He would go on to serve as national publicity secretary of the National Democratic Party; the founding deputy national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and former presidential candidate.
He is also engaged in community service spearheading campaigns that feeds displaced persons at internally displaced persons (IDP) camps around the country.
