The SPE Benin City Section hosted a memorable celebration in July at the Choice Gate Hotel, Benin City, combining its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a dinner and awards night to mark its 35th anniversary. It was an evening of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment. The event brought together more than 250 participants, including students, educators, members, and industry leaders, under the theme: "SPE Benin at 35: Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence."
A Day of Reflection and Renewal
The evening opened with the section's formal AGM, kicking off with welcome remarks from the outgoing Section Chair, Augustine Soro. He noted, “This event is not just a milestone in years— it’s a celebration of the people, the progress, and the purpose that defines us. No wonder we are fondly called the ‘Benin Bombers’—known across the region for our drive, consistency, and impact.”
Soro also gave a detailed presentation of the section's annual report, highlighting the section’s impacts and achievements over the year. SPE Benin has been a recipient of the SPE Presidential Award for Outstanding Section every year since 2019, except in 2023 when it received the SPE Section Excellence Award. The section’s recognition was further affirmed in 2025 with two major SPE honors: The Presidential Award for Outstanding Section and the Africa Regional Outstanding Section Award for Technical Dissemination and Professional Development.
One of the key outcomes of the AGM was the announcement of the new board for the 2025/2026 year, setting the tone for continued progress and refreshed section leadership. The transition was marked by applause and optimism, as members looked ahead to the section’s next chapter with renewed energy and purpose.
Global Recognition and Local Impact
The celebration transitioned into a dinner and award ceremony that reflected both the historical depth and forward-looking mission of SPE Benin City. The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by 2025 SPE President, Oliver Houzé, who congratulated the section on its anniversary and commended the section for its continued efforts in advancing SPE’s mission. Using historical data, he demonstrated how SPE Benin City’s membership has steadily been increasing since 2015, the year SPE reached its peak membership.
Houzé emphasized the importance of regional sections in achieving SPE's global mission, stating: "You are really an important section, in an important country, within an important region. The historical trend indicates that this will continue to be the case in years and decades to come. So please, don’t be shy in your celebrations. I look forward to meeting many of you next month at NAICE."
The keynote was followed by goodwill messages from section directors and board of trustee members.
Storytelling and Celebration
A short documentary titled “SPE Benin at 35—The Journey So Far” traced the section’s development from its inception to its current status as a model for impact and excellence— highlighting its key milestones and success stories.
Attendees then participated in a Kahoot trivia game on the section’s history, sparking laughter and friendly competition among students, professionals, and board of trustees.
Honoring Excellence and Commitment
The awards ceremony was split into two segments—one celebrating students and educational impact, and the other recognizing exceptional volunteerism and professional contributions.
Student Awards included
- Winners of the Yusuf Matashi Catch Them Young and International Day of Education Essay competitions.
- 23 scholarship recipients across various academic levels and categories.
- Recognition of Outstanding Student Chapters: University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Igbinedion University Okada (IUO).
- Student Leadership Awards for the chapter presidents of UNIBEN and IUO.
In the second award segment, volunteers and professionals were honored.
- MySPEBenin Story Challenge Winners (three student and three professional category winners) for impactful video testimonials on their SPE journeys
- Service Awards presented to 34 board members for their commitment
- Outstanding Volunteer Awards for nine non-board members
- Chairman's Medallion to 12 individuals who demonstrated extraordinary service
- A Legacy Award to a veteran member whose decades-long contribution continues to enrich the section
- Women in Energy Awards to three outstanding female professionals
- The Behind-the-Scenes Hero Award recognized three unsung contributors whose work often goes unnoticed but is crucial to the section’s success
Music, Poetry, and a Moment in Time
As guests enjoyed a curated dinner accompanied by music, the atmosphere transitioned into a heartfelt entertainment segment. A spoken word performance powerfully echoed the event’s theme, culminating in a poetic toast to SPE Benin's legacy. This was followed by a stirring rendition of "One Moment in Time" by a guest artist.
Looking Ahead
The celebration concluded with a cake cutting and toast, a raffle draw that excited many lucky winners, and closing remarks from section leaders, who reiterated the section’s dedication to professional excellence, student development, and community service.
In his closing address, the incoming Section Chair Adedamola Adegun said, “We are standing on a foundation laid by visionaries and strengthened by selfless volunteers. We will advance that legacy with fresh commitment and collective energy.”
A Legacy to Build On
As SPE Benin City looks towards the future, the anniversary celebration served as a poignant reminder of its journey from modest beginnings to becoming a beacon of excellence in the region and internationally. With a new board in place, fresh ideas in motion, and an active, inspired membership, the next chapter promises even more innovation, collaboration, and impact.
Augustine Soro is the 2024/2025 chairman of SPE Benin City Section, where he has served in various officer roles for 9 consecutive years. During this time, he contributed to the section’s growth. He has 15 years of industry experience and works with NNPC E&P Ltd. as a senior hydrocarbon resource analyst. Soro holds a BEng in petroleum engineering and an MSc in petroleum economics, management, and policy, and is pursuing a PhD. A recipient of several SPE regional and national awards, he has authored technical papers and is happily married with children.
Ibukunoluwa Dagunduro is a reservoir engineer with 8 years of experience across the oil and gas and professional services sectors. Currently with NNPC E&P Ltd. and formerly at KPMG Nigeria, she brings a strong blend of technical and analytical expertise. She holds a BSc in petroleum engineering from the University of Ibadan.
An active member of SPE, Dagunduro has served in various capacities and is currently the secretary of the SPE Benin City Section. Through volunteerism, mentoring, and knowledge sharing, she continues to make meaningful contributions to both the energy industry and the wider community.
Perpetual Oby Obeta (NREP, MNSE) is a petroleum engineering lecturer at Igbinedion University, Okada, with over 10 years of academic and industry experience. Her expertise includes drilling and completion engineering, well performance optimization, and production technology. She is currently developing sustainable oilfield chemicals through a World Bank–supported project. Obeta is a certified engineer, active volunteer with SPE, NSE, and APWEN, and has held several leadership roles. A recipient of multiple SPE awards, she has published in high-impact journals and advanced petroleum education. She is married to Ken Obeta and blessed with three children.
Maxwell Eshioghieme Samuel is an administrative and communications professional with a background in accounting and more than 5 years of experience in office administration, IT coordination, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. He has supported organizations including SPENC Integrated Services & Consulting Ltd., SPE Benin Section, and Complete Computers & Technology Ltd., contributing to efficiency and digital growth. A graduate of Ambrose Alli University and an MSc student at Northeastern University, he continues to develop skills in project management, product management, and business analytics. He is a dedicated SPE Benin City Section volunteer with multiple awards for outstanding service.