L-R: Lateef, James Orife, Ben Osuno, Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Chief Chambers Oyibo and Pastor Daniel Ndefo at the 22nd Aret Adams Memorlal Lecture in Lagos.
…The unsung hero of Nigeria oil and gas industry
-Felix Douglas
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has evolved over past decades of its existence with seasoned practitioners that have made it thrived.
Converging in Lagos recently for the 22nd edition of Aret Adams Memorial Lecture Series in remembrance of erstwhile Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Late Chief Godwin Aretanekha Adams, close associates and friends took turns to speak about his good gestures in service.
At the two panel sessions, speakers emphasized on good leadership, capacity development, and institutional integrity in the industry which Aret Adams stood for.
Dignitaries and oil industry professionals who spoke at the event include: Ben Osuno, Chief Chambers Oyibo, James Orife, Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Pastor Daniel Ndefo among others
Chief James Orife pointed out that Aret Adams was a man of honesty, integrity and willing to take the industry forward.
On his part Dr. Ebi Omatsola said the late Aret Adams inspired him with much courage when he was still in service and assisted him to secure another job in the industry where he spent more than three decades. He had passion for the job in order to achieve success.
Former GMD of NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu, was of the view that the petroleum industry should be restructured devoid of ethnicity and politicization especially on the aspect of those to run its affairs.
The former GMD said when he joined NNPC there was structural development and training program designed to bring out the best for the job. Young engineers had to prove themselves before taking on roles previously held by expatriates. There was willingness to the job compared to what it is presently. He had plans to ensure that every division within the corporation performed and achieved set target.
Earlier Engr. Charles Osezua, Chairman of BoT Aret Adams Foundation in his welcome address gave brief history of Chief Adams who he referred to as unsung hero of the Nigerian oil industry. He made it known that Chief Adams was unceremoniously relieved of his job for what was referred as ‘national interest’ hence no further reason was given while it hung in the balance.
Osezua submitted that the Aret Adams Foundation hosts annual memorial lecture and it has received accolades for its continuous legacy. The Foundation has been sustained and described it as the moral compass of Nigeria’s oil industry.
The Chairman commended sponsors for their continuous role and assistance. The Foundation has also contributed immensely to some tertiary institutions across the country with viable projects to its credit.
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