As the sun rose over Lagos, Nigeria, a new day dawned for Africa's energy future. The air buzzed with anticipation on 4 August as minds from across the continent gathered for the SPE Africa Young Professional (AYP) Workshop. This wasn't just another professional function; it was a rallying cry, a melting pot of ambition and innovation united by a singular vision. Under the theme "Empowering Africa’s Young Energy Leaders: Harnessing Technology, Talent, and Collaboration," the event promised a day of dynamic activities, rich discussions, and collaborative opportunities, all geared toward shaping the continent's energy landscape and inspiring the next generation of industry trailblazers.
Setting the Stage for Transformation
With a sense of excitement, the workshop's opening remarks immediately set the tone for the journey ahead. Distinguished leaders, including 2025 SPE President Olivier Houzé, SPE Africa Regional Director Riverson Oppong, and Incoming SPE Nigeria Council Chair Francis Nwaochei, opened the workshop. Beyond formalities, their words were a collective charge to the participants, inspiring them to seize the opportunities before them and become active architects of Africa's energy future.
A Vision for a New Energy Dawn: Keynote Address
The momentum continued with a keynote speech by Victor Ekpenyong, founder and CEO of Kenyon International. He spoke passionately about Africa’s most valuable resource: its youth.
He presented a clear, three-pronged strategy for empowering this burgeoning population: owning technology to achieve true independence, nurturing talent through STEM education and mentorship, and fostering collaboration via robust public-private partnerships.
He concluded with a compelling call to action, urging young leaders to use their vision and innovative ideas to build a collective and prosperous future for the continent.
Navigating the Future of Energy: Panel Discussion
A panel of distinguished professionals explored the theme, "Harnessing Africa’s Resources for a Sustainable Energy Future: Technology, Supply Chain, and Policy." Moderated by Emmanuella Agbo (project engineer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd.), the panel featured professionals Samuel Stephen Nii Laryea Adjei (HR manager, Ghana National Gas Co.), Ibiye Iyalla (associate dean, Robert Gordon University School of Engineering, Computing, and Technology), Michael O. Ogbuanu (head, operations and activities coordination—utilities asset, NLNG Ltd.), and Temitope Fehintola (oil portfolio manager, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd.)
The discussion delved into the essential interplay of technology, supply chains, and policy frameworks. They emphasized that a sustainable future requires strategic, cross-industry partnerships and effective, forward-thinking policies to drive investment and innovation. A key takeaway was the critical need to empower YPs with leadership opportunities to ensure long-term resilience of the sector.
Wisdom on the Clock: Speed Mentoring Session
A highlight of the workshop was the highly anticipated speed mentoring session. In a fast-paced, 30-minute format, YPs broke out into six groups where each group had the opportunity to connect with a seasoned professional who shared insights and answered burning questions from the participants on a range of topics.
The speed mentors included:
Mahmud Tukur (CEO, Ashgrove Group) led the session on entrepreneurship and defined wealth as a natural result of creating meaningful impact. He also highlighted the critical role of mentorship and encouraged attendees to think like "intrapreneurs" within their current organizations to build competencies for future ventures.
Henry Ijomanta (deputy manager, WRFM swamp and offshore assets, NNPC Ltd.) focused on soft skills development and enhancement, emphasized adaptability and emotional intelligence, and provided real-life examples of how these skills are essential for navigating a professional journey.
Derrick Klutsey (well delivery team lead, Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana) took the session on personal branding, shared key takeaways on its importance in today's digital age and how YPs can leverage it for their business, workplace, and individual growth.
Tosin Adeniji (production engineering and optimization supervisor, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd.) led the session on networking and relationship building. She defined networking as a "value exchange" and advised participants to be prepared, know their worth, and be strategic in their networking efforts.
Nonyelum Barrow (corporate services and HR consultant, Chappal Energies Mauritius Ltd.) shared insights on work/life balance and how to achieve a harmonious balance between professional and personal lives.
Joseph Adetuberu (manager, gas business and commercial operations, Heirs Energies Ltd.) encouraged attendees to embrace visibility in the workplace by taking ownership and leading with purpose.
The interactive format allowed for a rich exchange of ideas, providing participants with practical, actionable advice they could immediately apply.
A Clash of Minds: 2025 SPE Africa Region YPs Inter-Section Debate Final
The event also featured the SPE AYP Inter-Section Debate Finale. After 10 virtual debates involving SPE sections across the continent, the final was a captivating physical showdown.
SPE Benin City and SPE Ghana faced off on the compelling motion that empowering Africa’s young energy leaders through technology, talent development, and collaboration is essential, but not sufficient, to transform the continent’s energy future. Both teams delivered meticulously researched arguments, captivating the audience and a panel of distinguished judges.
After a closely contested battle of wits, SPE Benin City emerged victorious as the winner by a small margin, a testament to the level of preparation of both teams.
Beyond the Boardroom: Connecting and Collaborating
While the workshop included technical depth, it was also a celebration of connection and culture. Fun and games punctuated the day, with Kahoot quizzes on SPE and energy-related topics offering participants a chance to win prizes. These light-hearted moments fostered a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for authentic networking over light meals and cocktails.
The day concluded with thanks from the SPE Africa Region Young Professionals Planning Committee Chair, Olawale Ajayi, which was followed by a karaoke session. YPs sang together, cementing the bonds of collaboration and camaraderie that had been forged throughout the day.
A Lasting Impression
The workshop was a resounding success. It was a catalyst for change, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a clear signal that the future of Africa’s energy landscape is in capable hands.
By bringing together YPs from across the continent, it not only provided invaluable networking opportunities and leadership development, but also ignited a collective vision for a self-reliant and prosperous energy future.
This event, made possible by the outstanding support of sponsors like Ashgrove Exploration and Production Ltd., Kenyon West Africa International, Laser Engineering, Weatherford, Emerson, NLNG, and Navante Oil & Gas Company Ltd., was more than just a gathering; it was a bold step toward building a new generation of leaders ready to drive the long-awaited energy transformation. The energy sparked will continue to fuel innovation and inspire action, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.
Special thanks to all the amazing volunteers from across various sections in Africa who participated in the planning and execution of the workshop. The collaborative spirit engendered by the volunteers is testament to the future of Africa's young energy leaders.
See you in 2026!
Paul Alabi is a commercial analyst at Dangote Industries Ltd. He has served in various capacities in the SPE Warri Section, including leading the Ambassador Lecturer Program Team. A resourceful individual, he is passionate about inspiring others to strive for excellence.
David Kalu is a recent petroleum and gas engineering graduate from the University of Port-Harcourt. He loves volunteering and making impact. He is a sustainability enthusiast and researcher.
Emmanuella Agbo is a project engineer in Renaissance Africa Energy Company. She is an active member of SPE and has served in several roles, such as SPE Port-Harcourt Section Young Professionals Chair and Membership Chair and an SPE international mentor.
Nkanta Daniel is a financial analyst with 5 years of experience in the financial markets. He is currently the student chapter ambassador for SPE Bayero University, Kano Student Chapter under SPE Abuja Section. He is passionate about advancing sustainable development goals and impacting communities.
Adejuwon Kehinde is a well engineer with NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL). An active volunteer with SPE, he currently serves as the SPE Benin City Sponsorship co-chair having held other positions including YP chair, YP co-chair, lead, career, and technical committee.
Ofure Perfection Chizi is a certified petroleum engineer with a proven record of project delivery and effective stakeholder management, currently serving as a reservoir engineer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd. She led the 2025 Africa Young Professionals Workshop and has held multiple leadership roles in SPE, including Young Professionals Chair of the SPE Port-Harcourt Section. Recognized for her outstanding service, she is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the 2024 SPE Giovanni Paccaloni Young Professional Service Award and the 2023 SPE Africa Regional Young Professional Outstanding Service Award.
Olawale Ajayi is a petroleum engineer at NNPC E&P Ltd. with 7 years of experience in reservoir engineering, well engineering, production operations, and business planning. He is a 2023 SPE International Giovanni Paccaloni Young Professional Award recipient and a 2025 OTC Emerging Leader. He currently serves as chair of both the SPE Africa Region and SPE Nigeria Council Young Professionals committees, and as a member of the SPE International Young Members Committee, where he champions mentoring, STEM advocacy, collaboration, technical excellence, and leadership development.