Building Partnerships, Advancing Excellence, and Shaping the Future: President's July 2026 Message

Dear Esteemed Members of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE),

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the month of July and to express my sincere appreciation for your unwavering commitment, active participation, and invaluable support for our great Association. The remarkable progress we continue to make is made possible by the dedication of our members, partners, and stakeholders, whose collective efforts continue to strengthen NAPE as the leading professional association for Nigeria's energy industry.

As we enter the second half of the year, we have every reason to reflect with gratitude on our achievements while remaining focused on the opportunities that lie ahead. The month of June was particularly significant, demonstrating our Association's growing influence both within Nigeria and on the international stage.

One of the highlights of the month was NAPE's active participation at the EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Aberdeen, United Kingdom. As an official exhibitor, NAPE proudly showcased the Association's programmes, initiatives, and strategic vision while engaging with global industry leaders and strengthening relationships across the international energy community.

I was also privileged to participate in the International Prospecting Centre Panel Session on Africa's Exploration Outlook, where distinguished industry leaders examined emerging frontier basins, evolving exploration strategies, and the growing importance of data driven approaches in unlocking Africa's vast energy potential. The discussions reinforced the vital role that collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence will continue to play in shaping the future of our industry.

During the conference, our UK/Europe Chapter successfully hosted a highly engaging Fireside Chat on "The Future of Energy in Nigeria: Opportunities, Networks and NAPE's Strategic Role." The event brought together professionals from across the energy value chain and provided an excellent platform to discuss opportunities for collaboration, professional networking, and NAPE's expanding role in advancing Nigeria's energy industry on the global stage.

Beyond our international engagements, June was another productive month across the Association. Our National body and Chapters in Abuja, Warri, and Uyo/Calabar successfully organised Technical and Business Meetings that addressed contemporary industry issues, emerging technologies, and practical solutions to operational challenges. These meetings continue to serve as valuable platforms for technical learning, knowledge exchange, professional networking, and capacity development, reflecting the strength and vibrancy of our chapters.

I am equally encouraged by the continued commitment of our NAPE Young Professionals to leadership development and knowledge sharing. During the month, the NAPE Young Professionals Abuja Chapter hosted a live podcast that brought together experienced industry professionals and emerging geoscientists to discuss technical challenges within the geoscience profession and explore practical, sustainable solutions. Initiatives such as these reflect the vibrancy of our young professionals and reinforce our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders for Nigeria's evolving energy industry.

Another important milestone during the month was our courtesy visit to the leadership of Newcross Exploration and Production Limited/PanOcean Oil Corporation. The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, developing industry ready professionals, advancing capacity development initiatives, supporting innovation, and deepening strategic partnerships ahead of AICE 2026. Such engagements remain central to our commitment to building stronger relationships that will benefit both our members and the wider energy industry.

It was also a privilege for the Association to honour Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, FNAPE, FNMGS, one of the founding fathers of NAPE, as he celebrated his 85th birthday during the month. As a visionary leader and pioneer of our Association, Chief Oyibo has played a defining role in shaping NAPE into the respected professional body it is today. His lifelong dedication to advancing Nigeria's geoscience and petroleum industry, coupled with his exemplary leadership has left an enduring legacy within our profession. On behalf of the Association, I once again congratulate Chief Chamberlain Oyibo on this remarkable milestone and wish him continued good health, peace, and many more years of impactful service.

Preparations for the 44th NAPE Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE 2026) continue to gather momentum. I sincerely appreciate everyone who responded to the Call for Abstracts, which closed successfully at the end of June. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm and quality of submissions received, and I thank every contributor for helping to enrich the technical content of this year's conference.

As we move into the next phase of preparations, I encourage members, organisations, and stakeholders to register early, explore the available exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, and actively participate in what promises to be another outstanding conference. AICE remains our foremost platform for technical excellence, business engagement, innovation, networking, and collaboration across the energy value chain.

I would also like to draw your attention to the NAPE Summer School 2026, scheduled for 26 to 28 August 2026 in Lagos. This year's programme, themed "Co opting AI/ML to Existing Oil and Gas Upstream Digital Ecosystems: The Case for Exploration, Drilling and Production," reflects our commitment to preparing professionals for the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the energy industry. I encourage executives, professionals, young practitioners, academics, and students to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity and register before the 31 July deadline.

I also wish to thank the many Fellows, members, and friends of the Association who have already responded to our fundraising drive towards the purchase of a permanent NAPE Secretariat. Your generosity and belief in this vision are deeply appreciated.

For those who are yet to participate, I warmly invite you to join this collective effort. Every contribution, regardless of size, brings us closer to securing a permanent home that will strengthen our institutional capacity, preserve our legacy, and provide a lasting foundation for future generations of NAPE members. Together, we can make this historic project a reality.

I also encourage every member to maintain an active membership status in order to continue enjoying the numerous professional, technical, educational, and networking opportunities available through our Association.

As we continue our journey through the year, I remain confident that our shared commitment to excellence, professionalism, innovation, collaboration, and service will position NAPE to achieve even greater milestones. Together, we will continue to advance the frontiers of knowledge, strengthen our industry, and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of Nigeria's energy sector.

Thank you once again for your continued dedication and support.

I wish you all a productive, successful, and rewarding month ahead.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, FNAPE

President

Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE)

2025–2026