By Patience Chat Moses
Dr. Ikechukwu Stanley Okafor has emerged as the new chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engenners (SPE), Section 199 Abuja.
This was disclosed during the AGM and Award Night of Section 199, Abuja.
The AGM which took place at the meeting room 1 of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) tower had past and incoming officials in attendance.
While delivering his acceptance speech, Okafor introduced “Inspiring a Culture of Excellence in Section 199” as the theme for his administration.
He further expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on him.
Okafor explained that excellence is not just an aspiration, but the foundation upon which success is built, and also what drives us to push boundaries, innovate, and lead in the ever-evolving energy landscape.
He noted that in the pursuit of excellence, it is a fortunate thing to have a group of seasoned leaders like the former Section Chairmen and Section Directors to learn from.
Speaking in his commitment to the society he assured that experience of professional and senior members will remain the bedrock of the society and that he will ensure success in career paths through targeted development programs that will not only keep members at the cutting edge of industry advancements but also provide platforms for leadership and mentorship.
Addressing young professionals, Okafor emphasized that his administration will prioritize interactive and inspiring programs that will offer real opportunities for career advancement.
” We will create spaces for networking, learning, and growth that are not only engaging but also transformative, setting you on paths to fulfilling and successful careers, ” he said.
Okafor noted that his tenure will be anchored on five Pillars in order to truly inspire a culture of excellence.
These pillers include;
1. Technical Knowledge Dissemination: Okafor said he will prioritize continuous learning and professional development by ensuring at least one technical program per month.
These programs according to him will be designed to keep members at the forefront of industry trends and technologies.
2. Improving and Sustaining Membership Growth: Okafor stated that the society’s strength lies in its numbers while assuring that he will work diligently to grow membership base, attracting both seasoned professionals and the next generation of engineers.
3. Enhancing Student Engagement and Experience: The student chapters he said are the lifeblood of the future, “we will work closely with all seven chapters to ensure they are active, visible, and thriving.
“My goal is for each chapter to win at least one award, bringing recognition and pride to our section, “he added.
4. Reactivating and Improving Young Professional Experience: The new SPE chairman further committed to reactivating and enhancing the experience of young professionals within SPE by offering inspiring and interactive programs that open doors to new career opportunities and professional growth.
5. Effective Community Engagement and Impact: Okafor also spoke on striving to make a positive impact beyond the immediate membership.
The Award night rounded up the meeting as many members were recognized for their significant contribution to the society. Amongst these include;
Service Awards which is presented to individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced SPE’s goals and strengthened the community.
First in the list was incoming Section Chairperson, Amina Mohammed Danmadami, then the outgoing chairman of section 199, Victor Anochie, Ikechukwu Okafor and twenty other executives.
The Catch Them Young (CTY) Award which is also a part of SPE’s annual initiative is aimed at sparking academic and career interest in Petroleum Engineering.
The award is specifically tailored for secondary school students in Nigeria who are passionate about the sciences and are considering further studies in Engineering, with a focus on Petroleum Engineering.
First on the list of recipient was Biniyo Dabira for the Gifted Schools Gwagwalada, Obioma Divine, Federal Government Academy Suleja and Olaitan Oluwasegun Isreal, Government Day Secondary School Duste Alhaji.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the energy industry over the course of their careers.
This award recognizes their enduring commitment, leadership, and impact, which have left a lasting legacy on SPE community.
First on the list was Proffessor Wunmmi Illedare, Professor G. A. Chukwu, Prof. Chidi Ibe and Engr George Kalu.
The Corporate Sponsorship Award recognizes organizations that have shown exceptional support and commitment to the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Abuja Section.
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Green Energy, Friends for Global Health Initiative Nigeria, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), and NILE University Of Nigeria received the award.
The Chairman’s Medallion is a prestigious honor awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Abuja Section.
The medallion award symbolizes the highest level of commitment. Dr. Leo Morgan, Odafe Jerome Atebe and five others got the award.
Lastly on the award list was the Distinguished Service Awards which was presented by Dr Amina Danmadami.