*Gov Sanwoolu Hails him
Yes, history is often written by champions. Sometimes they rewrite it. But very few champs excite the splendid tribute of a cheer in the wake of their most glorious feats. Nonetheless, Julius Rone, who is fondly called ‘The Gas King’ strikingly commands the relentless tribute of a cheer. Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, went down as a day that testified to Rone’s amiability as a person and acceptability as a business leader. Friends and family congratulated the head honcho of UTM FLNG Limited, on the conferment of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Indeed, neither words nor music nor a thousand epigrams will do, in commemorating the true essence and class of Julius Rone, OFR. He is a true citizen of the world indeed. He would do any nation proud as her illustrious son considering his heartfelt contributions to his nation’s socio-political, economy and high art.
Timeless anecdotes seep from his being like whirlwinds writing on the grass and inscriptions teaching us that everything and anything about him offer priceless lessons in humility, fortitude and grace. It’s the imagination with which he perceives the world and the gestures by which he honours it that however, stands him apart from his peers in the nation’s business arena.
Interestingly, friends, family and political associates strongly believe that a man like Julius symbolises the universe’s rarest gift to mankind.
He is no doubt a rare phenomenon and gift to this generation. While most of his friends, family and business associates are already in the know and appreciate this fact, like the infinite crowd of folk that constitute mere acquaintances to him, they are continually stunned, captivated and humbled by the man, Rone’s infectious humility and generosity of spirit.
Magnificence, order, complexity, mystery and possibilities—the same things that draw folk to their most treasured daydreams lure them to him. The primary difference is that subtle and blatant idolatry takes a front seat in the flurry of emotion and perpetual elocution of the rare civility and bounteousness of spirit accorded them by ‘The Gas King’.
Interestingly, the beautiful wife, Yutee Rone, organized a high-octane investiture celebration for him in Abuja. It was a high class event that attracted the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s aristocratic class. The champagne cocktail proceeded smoothly and very calmly as it was proficiently convened with commendable civility and grace. Adorned in the most exquisite finery, the carefully selected guests walked into the venue and the waiting arms of very pretty ushers who led them to their appointed seats smilingly.
At the event, every guest was treated like royalty. The sheer modishness of the venue which was gracefully spruced-up by magnificent chandeliers and decorations further emphasized the degree of attentiveness to detail and diligence that went into its preparation. Every guest was given the royalty treatment; as they were treated to the choicest brands of champagne; from the most expensive champagne, Armand de Brignac Brut Gold (Ace of Spades) – unveiled in 2006 and originally developed by Cattier for the André Courrèges fashion house in France – to Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.
At the background, a soulful medley of vintage and contemporary music wafted from hi-tech woofers causing the guests to sway, shuffle and waltz as much as the music moved them and transported them to euphoric cusps.
Buoyed by the ecstatic response of the guests to the music, the DJ upped its tempo, leaving everyone swooning and swaying for the greater part of the night.
Julius commented on the honour, saying that he feels greatly humbled and motivated to do even more for the advancement and betterment of humanity. He said, “I thank you and through you the President, Government and people of Nigeria for the honour of conferring on me the title of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR. And my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a role in concretizing and making this award ceremony a great success. Please, rest assured of my continued attachment to the ideals of our great nation and my determination to actively pursue measures that would help to promote stronger socio-economic relations between Nigeria and other countries. Thank you, also Your Excellency for your nice, touching words, has been a most memorable experience.”
Yes, he made new friends that day. His well groomed intelligence was overwhelming enough to elicit never-ending admiration from everyone.
Interestingly, however, Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his congratulatory message to Rone, described the national award as “a high-level recognition of your remarkable standing and accomplishments in the energy industry, as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of one of the leading energy conglomerates on the continent, UTM Group of Companies.”
Extolling Julius Rone’s business astuteness and virtues, Sanwo-Olu expressed that Rone’s vision and ambition, over the years, have set him apart, “and helped drive the development of large-scale projects, including, most recently, the first floating Liquefied Natural Gas Plant in Nigeria, and the first of its kind to be led in Africa by an African-owned company.”
“The progress seen on this landmark project, under your leadership of UTM Group, is testament to the fact that the Group and its subsidiaries have become icons that cannot be ignored on the African petroleum landscape.
“This latest recognition of an OFR is a worthy and timely one, which you should see as a call to even greater service to Nigeria and to Africa.
“On behalf of the Government and good People of Lagos State, I congratulate you on this honor, and I wish you even greater heights on your life’s journey,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Julius Rone was one of the recipients of the 2022 National Honour Award in the rank of OFR.
