Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), one of the main sponsors of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF), has hailed the event as a significant platform for driving positive change in Nigeria’s energy sector. The company, in its goodwill message delivered by General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations Joe Mordi, highlighted that the Oloibiri Lecture Series not only commemorates the country’s first oil discovery but also fosters vital discussions on key issues like business performance, cost discipline, and process simplification.
Speaking on behalf of SNEPCo, Managing Director Ronald Adams expressed the company’s deep appreciation for the event, noting its special significance for Shell. He mentioned that the Oloibiri Lecture Series holds a unique place in the company’s history, given its connection to the first oil discovery in Nigeria at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956. “This event is special to the Shell brand, not only because of the nostalgia of Oloibiri but the quality of discourse it has enabled in our sector over the years,” he said.
The Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum is organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) serving as the host. The event was first held in 1991 to commemorate the milestone of Nigeria’s first commercial oil discovery, which was made by Shell at Oloibiri. Over the years, the forum has become a key platform for discussing critical issues in the oil and gas sector, especially as the country navigates its energy future.
Ronald Adams also reflected on how recent developments in Nigeria’s energy sector, including the significant $5 billion investment in the Bonga North Deepwater project by Shell, have further echoed the significance of the Oloibiri oil discovery. He stated, “These strides come with a commitment to excellence required of us – for stakeholders, colleagues, our country, and indeed, future generations.”
The Bonga North Deepwater project is one of the latest achievements in Shell’s continued investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The decision to make a final investment in the project underscores Shell’s confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector and its role in shaping the country’s energy future. It also highlights the company’s dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions while maintaining high standards of business performance and cost efficiency.
Adams also underscored that the theme for this year’s Oloibiri Lecture Series, “Driving energy sustainability through technology, policy, and supply chain excellence,” reflects Shell’s ongoing commitment to fostering energy sustainability in Nigeria. The company sees this commitment as integral to the future of the country’s energy landscape, as it seeks to balance the demands of economic growth with environmental and social responsibility.
“The future is bright, and we have the opportunity to co-create it,” Adams said, pointing out that the challenges facing the energy sector today present an opportunity for collaboration and innovation. Shell’s involvement in the Oloibiri Lecture Series is just one part of its broader strategy to promote sustainable practices and encourage meaningful dialogue among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the sector.
The Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum provides a space for experts, professionals, and key figures in the energy sector to come together and discuss the latest trends and innovations. The event addresses a range of topics critical to Nigeria’s energy development, including technology advancements, the role of policy in driving sustainability, and the importance of an efficient and transparent supply chain.
Over the years, the Oloibiri forum has become an important tool for shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy industry. It allows participants to share knowledge, engage in discussions, and propose solutions to the challenges facing the sector. As Nigeria continues to evolve as a major energy player, events like the Oloibiri Lecture Series play a crucial role in steering the country toward a sustainable energy future.
SNEPCo’s partnership with the Oloibiri Lecture Series also reflects the company’s dedication to contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s energy sector, not only through investments but also through the promotion of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Shell has been active in the Nigerian oil and gas industry for decades, and its involvement in key industry events like the Oloibiri Lecture Series further underscores its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy development.
For many in the sector, the Oloibiri Lecture Series serves as an important reminder of Nigeria’s rich oil heritage and the need to continue driving progress in the sector while addressing new challenges such as environmental concerns, energy transition, and the diversification of the economy. It also highlights the importance of embracing new technologies, policies, and strategies that will ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s energy resources.
As Nigeria seeks to navigate the complex global energy landscape, the Oloibiri Lecture Series provides an essential space for conversations that will help shape the country’s future. Shell’s role as a sponsor of the event is part of its broader commitment to supporting initiatives that advance sustainable energy practices, promote innovation, and create a positive impact on the communities in which it operates.
The Oloibiri Lecture Series is expected to continue playing a key role in Nigeria’s energy sector for years to come, offering a platform for dialogue and collaboration that will help drive the country’s energy sustainability agenda forward. With its deep historical roots and focus on key issues, the event remains an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s energy industry, fostering the exchange of ideas and supporting efforts to overcome the challenges of the present while preparing for the future.
