Building Momentum for Excellence and Growth: President’s Message for June 2026
Dear Esteemed Members of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE),
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the month of June and to express my sincere appreciation for your continued commitment, active participation, and unwavering support for our great Association.
The progress we continue to record across our technical programmes, professional engagements, strategic initiatives, and capacity-building efforts reflects the collective dedication of our members and stakeholders. Through your contributions and commitment, NAPE continues to strengthen its position as a leading professional body and a respected voice within Nigeria’s energy industry.
As we begin this new month, we are presented with meaningful opportunities for reflection and renewed commitment. On June 5, the global community marks World Environment Day, reminding us of our shared responsibility to promote environmental sustainability and responsible resource development. As energy professionals, we must continue to champion innovative solutions and best practices that balance energy needs with environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.
Similarly, Democracy Day on June 12 offers an opportunity to reflect on the values of leadership, accountability, unity, and national development. These principles are equally important within our professional community as we work together to strengthen our institutions, advance our industry, and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The month of May was both productive and impactful for our Association. Across the National body and our Chapters in Port Harcourt, Uyo-Calabar, Awka-Owerri, Benin, and North America, we successfully hosted a series of Technical and Business Meetings that brought together industry professionals and stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, technological innovations, operational challenges, and opportunities within the energy sector. These engagements continue to provide valuable platforms for knowledge sharing, professional development, networking, and the promotion of technical excellence across our Association.
The month also featured a successful Virtual Field Trip, which formed part of our continuing efforts to promote technical engagement and professional development across the Association.
In addition, the NAPE Young Professionals sustained their technical development initiatives through the May Technical Series, providing another valuable platform for learning, knowledge exchange, and professional growth among emerging industry professionals.
A personal highlight during the month was the opportunity to deliver a keynote lecture at Mountain Top University on the theme, *“Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Industry: Preparing Geoscience Students for Real-World Practice and Career Transition.”* The session provided a valuable platform to engage, mentor, and inspire students while reinforcing NAPE’s commitment to academic development, industry readiness, and talent cultivation.
I join the wider geoscience and energy community in celebrating Professor Emeritus Omar Rahaman on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Through distinguished events held in Lagos and Abuja during May, we reflected on his remarkable contributions to academia, hydrogeology, professional development, and the advancement of Nigeria’s geoscience and energy sectors.
Professor Rahaman’s legacy of excellence, mentorship, and service continues to inspire generations of professionals. On behalf of NAPE, I extend our warm congratulations and best wishes for continued good health, wisdom, and fulfillment.
Another noteworthy milestone was the appointment of Dr. Layi Fatona, FNAPE, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of ND Western. Dr. Fatona is a distinguished industry leader, accomplished entrepreneur, and highly respected Fellow of our Association whose contributions have significantly shaped the growth of Nigeria’s energy industry.
His leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence have inspired many within and beyond our profession. On behalf of NAPE, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish him every success in this important role.
The successful conclusion of the nomination process for the NAPE Distinguished Honours and Awards 2026 also deserves recognition. This programme remains one of the Association’s most prestigious platforms for celebrating excellence, innovation, leadership, service, and outstanding contributions to the advancement of our profession and industry.
I sincerely appreciate all members who participated in the nomination process and look forward to celebrating deserving individuals whose achievements continue to elevate the reputation and standards of our Association.
Preparations for the 44th NAPE Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE 2026) continue to gather momentum. The Call for Abstracts, conference registration, and sponsorship drive remain open, and I encourage members, organizations, and industry stakeholders to actively participate in what promises to be another impactful gathering of professionals, thought leaders, and decision-makers from across the energy value chain.
As we continue to build momentum, I would like to remind members that the deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest for the NAPE 2026 Elections has been extended to June 7, 2026. I encourage qualified and interested members to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the future leadership and governance of our Association.
I also encourage all members to maintain active membership status in order to fully benefit from the numerous professional, technical, and networking opportunities available through NAPE.
At this point, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all members, corporate organizations, and well-wishers who have contributed to the ongoing Fundraising Drive for the Purchase of a NAPE Secretariat Building. Your generosity and commitment to the future of our Association are deeply appreciated. As we continue this important journey, I respectfully encourage those who are yet to support the initiative to join us in making this strategic legacy project a reality. The proposed Secretariat Building will provide a permanent home for our Association and further strengthen our institutional capacity for generations to come.
As we move forward, I remain confident in the resilience, professionalism, and collective strength of our Association. Through collaboration, innovation, excellence, and a shared commitment to our profession, we will continue to advance the frontiers of knowledge, support the growth of the energy industry, and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of our nation.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to NAPE.
I wish you a productive, successful, and rewarding month ahead.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, FNAPE
President,
Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE)
( 2025 to 2026)