The trophy for the top prize was handed out at an award night to round off the conference, during which a Petrophysicist with Shell’s deep water subsidiary, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mr. Itua Osazua, also clinched the prize for Best Technical Paper. Mr. Osazua’s presentation was on how to identify, characterise and optimise production in less developed oil-bearing sands in deep water.

In addition, Shell Companies received three Sponsorship awards while eight staff got Service awards. The awards demonstrate a strong Shell participation at the 2016 SPE conference at which 32 technical papers were delivered by Shell staff, constituting 35% of all such presentations.

“Our participation is a reinforcement of the thought leadership position of Shell Companies in Nigeria and proves the commitment of our staff to self-development, professional affiliation and the overall growth of the oil and gas industry,” said Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, while reacting to the outcome of the awards night.

Mr. Okunbor, who was represented at the awards night by the General Manager Development (Onshore), Mr. Goke Akinrinmade described Shell’s participation as part of the companies’ support for the growth of the industry and indigenous capacity development.

Speaking on the conference theme of transparency in the oil and gas sector, Mr. Okunbor said, “Transparency remains a critical behaviour that can secure the future and stability of this key sector of the economy. This will not happen by chance or wishful thinking. It requires actions and commitment from all stakeholders, government and the private sector as well as individual companies and professionals.”

The well-attended 2016 edition of the conference also marked the 40th anniversary of the SPE in Nigeria. Shell’s exhibition stand combined aesthetics, architecture, informative posters, panel discussion sessions, career talks, video presentations and the ever popular Shell Health stand, to be a central attraction at the conference.

Visitors who thronged the Shell booth were received by the Lead exhibitor, Omagbemi Kakayor and team. The guests were drawn from oil servicing firms, equipment manufacturers, student, professional and academic bodies as well as well as international and indigenous oil contractors and companies.