As we begin the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and wish you all a happy and successful 2024. I would like to use this medium to inform you of some of the steps we have taken since we came on board.
I had the privilege of representing the association at the 12th Practical Nigerian Content Forum, which focused on deepening Nigeria’s content amidst divestments, domestication, and decarbonization, organized by NCDMB. As the NAPE President, it was an honor to engage with fellow industry experts on the current state of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
Great and practical efforts are being made to harmonize and produce a reliable membership database for the association. A high-level meeting has already taken place where far-reaching decisions have already been taken. Improved membership dues payments and accrued value-based membership are the expected outcomes of this project.
In the same vein, the association’s website is also receiving critical attention. A new website, befitting the growing status of our esteemed association, will also support our upcoming learning center. We have taken the initiative to set up a NAPE Professional Development Committee. This committee, which is made up of committed and active NAPE members, is saddled with the responsibility of developing professional training courses to be administered by the association. These courses will be offered both physically and virtually.
The University Assistance Program is also coming up with some exciting programs geared toward bridging the gap between industry and academia. The Train-the-Trainers program is expected to take off during this first quarter. The Grants-in-Aids program is also being revived. Emails have already been sent to existing donors and other potential donors. Pairing-to-teach is another initiative to drive industry personnel to volunteer to teach geoscience courses, especially subjects relating to petroleum geoscience and geophysics in our universities. Willing NAPE members will be paired with selected lecturers at the universities.
The executive committee has adopted the Advisory Council’s Guidelines on the Management and Operations of NAPE Grants-in-Aid as part of our commitment to excellence and efficient service delivery. We deeply appreciate the dedication and expertise put forth by the Advisory Council in crafting these guidelines, which are crucial in guiding the allocation and administration of NAPE Grants-in-Aid. I am pleased to announce the nominated members of the Grants-in-Aid:
Dr. Ifeanyi Obi (UAP Chairman)
Dr. Afe Mayowa, FNAPE
Mr. Segun Obilaja
Mrs. Victoria Okorie
Prof. T. Najime
Prof. Gbenga Ehinola, FNAPE
Prof. Wilfred Mode, FNAPE
These individuals were selected based on their proven expertise and dedication to furthering the objectives of NAPE by advancing geoscience education and research. We believe that their collective knowledge and experience will significantly contribute to the effective management and distribution of NAPE Grants-in-Aid.
I would also like to appreciate the untiring efforts of the NAPE Young Professionals. They continue to break new ground with their laudable activities. The YP technical workshop held on December 9, 2023, at Nasarawa State University was a resounding success. The workshop theme, “Repositioning the Young Professionals’ Skills and Training for Future Energy Dynamics,” was intended to educate both student members and young professionals on the latest developments in technology and how they are impacting the energy, gas, and oil sectors. The attendance was overwhelming.
Lastly, the NAPE Executive Committee is committed to driving the association’s core values. We believe in effective collaboration as a key to success, and we are open to receiving feedback from our esteemed members on areas to improve and how to better serve the association.
I encourage all of you to get involved in any way possible, support us financially, volunteer your skills and expertise, and contribute significantly to the growth of our dear association.
I wish you all a happy and successful 2024.
Sincerely,
Abiodun Ogunjobi, FNAPE
President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE)