- Savannah Energy named Uyi Akpata and Kehinde Ogunwumiju Independent Non-Executive Directors as part of its succession and governance renewal strategy.
- The company confirmed the retirement of Stephen O’Brien and David Clarkson after eight years of service, with both set to continue as consultants.
Savannah Energy PLC, a British independent energy company, has appointed two Nigerians, Uyi Akpata and Kehinde Ogunwumiju, as Independent Non-Executive Directors to strengthen its board and drive governance renewal.
The company announced the appointments on Thursday, October 9, and confirmed Stephen O’Brien’s and David Clarkson’s retirement after eight years of service. Savannah praised both for shaping the company’s governance framework and board processes.
Chairman Joseph Noupoué said the appointments form part of Savannah’s dynamic succession plan, which aligns with its strategic growth direction. He thanked the outgoing directors for their integrity and commitment and confirmed that both would continue to serve as consultants, preserving institutional knowledge and continuity.
Noupoué welcomed Akpata and Ogunwumiju as “internationally respected professionals” whose expertise in finance and law will support Savannah’s expansion across Africa.
Stephen O’Brien, former Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director, said he was proud to see Savannah evolve into a leading African energy company in hydrocarbons and renewables. He will now serve as the company’s political advisor.
Retiring Non-Executive Director David Clarkson expressed satisfaction with Savannah’s growth since 2017 and will continue as a technical advisor.
Savannah disclosed that Akpata, a chartered accountant with over 40 years of experience, will chair the Audit Committee. Akpata previously served as Senior Partner at PwC Nigeria, Regional Senior Partner for West Africa, and Head of Oil and Gas for Africa. He holds a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Lagos, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and earned an honorary doctorate in Management Science from Wellspring University in 2018.
Ogunwumiju, Managing Partner at Afe Babalola & Co., achieved the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2017, making him one of the youngest Nigerians to do so.
In a regulatory update, Savannah announced plans to publish its 2024 Annual Report and Accounts and half-year results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, during the week commencing October 13, 2025. The company will release these alongside a trading update for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Savannah confirmed that trading in its shares will remain suspended under AIM Rules 18 and 19 until the reports are published.