The Aret Adams Foundation is set to host the 22nd edition of its annual memorial lecture on May 15, 2025, at the Muson Centre (Agip Recital Hall), Onikan, Lagos, by 11:00 AM. This year’s theme, “Aret Adams – Legacies and Impacts on Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Industry,” will reflect on the enduring influence of one of Nigeria’s most iconic oil and gas pioneers, Chief Godwin Aret Adams.
According to Mr. Akin Jokojeje, Programs Manager of the Foundation, the theme was carefully selected by the Board of Trustees in recognition of the 22 years since the passing of Chief Aret Adams. The event aims to bring together industry colleagues, subordinates, and associates to reflect on his ideals, values, and significant contributions, while exploring the current landscape and future prospects of Nigeria’s energy sector.
The event will be chaired by Engr. (Dr.) Olufemi Lalude, former Managing Director of SNEPCo. Two insightful panel sessions are scheduled, featuring some of the most distinguished professionals and contemporaries of Chief Aret Adams. These include:
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Ogbueshi Ben Osuno, Pioneer Director of DPR
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Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Founding MD, Conoil Nigeria Ltd
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Mr. George Osahon, Former DPR Director
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Engr. Andy Yakubu, Former GMD, NNPC
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Mr. Austin Avuru, Chairman, AA Holdings
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Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, Former GMD, NNPC
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Mr. James Mavuaye Orife, Former GGM, NAPIMS & Chairman, Versa-tech Nigeria Ltd
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Dr. Steve Okolo, Director, Zebbra Energy Ltd
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Mrs. Ofueko Omoigui-Okaru, MFR, FCA, Former FIRS Chair
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Pastor Daniel Ndefo, Former Exploration Manager, Elf/Total
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Mr. Louis Nwachukwu Mbanefo, MD/CEO, Enuani Energy Ltd
Industry stakeholders, financial institutions, manufacturers, and captains of industry are also expected to be in attendance to honour the man whose leadership helped shape Nigeria’s petroleum landscape.
The Foundation, established in 2003, is a tribute to the late Chief Aret Adams, who was not only the first Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) (1988–1990), but also served as Special Adviser on Petroleum Resources to Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1998. His remarkable contributions include the formulation of Nigeria’s National Energy Policy in 1980 and spearheading negotiations that led to the landmark NLNG shareholders agreement in 1989.
Beyond policy and technical achievements, Chief Adams’ legacy lives on through educational initiatives. Notably, the Aret Adams Professorial Chairs in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt (in partnership with SPDC, now RAEC) and Geology at the University of Ibadan. Additionally, the Foundation annually awards scholarships to top postgraduate Geology students at the University of Ibadan, furthering the development of future energy experts.
Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Engr. Charles Osezua, OON, KSG, emphasized that Chief Aret Adams was a geologist of outstanding calibre and an alumnus of the University of Ibadan. He hailed Adams’ commitment to transparency, development through market reforms, and inclusive leadership—values the Foundation continues to uphold.
As preparations unfold for this year’s memorial, the event stands not only as a celebration of a man who revolutionized Nigeria’s energy policy but also as a call to current and future leaders to emulate his integrity, vision, and dedication to national development.
