Leadership

Dr. Ibe Kachikwu was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015-2019) and a former Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He was nominated and subsequently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to represent his state of origin, Delta State in the President’s cabinet to oversee institutionalising the task transparency, of reforming accountability and and productivity in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Preceding his nomination and confirmation as an Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria serving in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, in August 2015 he was appointed to the position of Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) where he set in place the process leading to the on-going transformation at NNPC through the implementation of a thoroughbred strategic plan focused on transforming and reviving the beleaguered state owned Oil Company into a major revenue and profit making enterprise for the Nation.

Prince Harrison has over 10 years cognate experience in the Public Sector space, with a blend of professional theoretical teaching and practical engagement in politics, leadership, youth’s advocacy; serving among others as the Principal Private Secretary to Nigeria’s former Group Managing Director NNPC/Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachukwu. His passion to hone his skills in the political space, especially in understanding of the processes involved and gaining practical knowledge on critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills, made him study Political Science and Public Administration during his first degree at the Prestigious University of Benin, Benin City, having previously bagged a Diploma -in- Law, from the same University. In search for more knowledge, he enrolled for, and completed an M.Sc. programme in International Relations; studying variety of courses ranging from policy analysis to policy advocacy. Currently, he is a PhD student in International Relations at the same University.

David Edet is an IT expert with deep oil and gas sector knowledge. He specializes in business analysis, poised with the task of identifying solutions to problems facing the African hydrocarbons sector. A Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, David’s passion for collaboration and success is deep rooted in his social responsibilities. David has held various engagements with institutions like the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nairametrics Financial Advocates, and many more.

UGBAJA SIMON CHUKWUEMEKA CNA, ACTI, ATM

Simon Chukwuemeka Ugbaja is the Finance & Admin Manager of Africenergy and Infrastructure Ltd with over 19 years’ experience in Finance, Treasury Management, Audit, Taxation, Banking, Marketing and Human Resources.

Simon is a Certified National Accountant from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN); a Chartered Tax Practinonner from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and a Chartered Treasury Manager from the Institute of Treasury Management of Nigeria (CITM). He holds certification in Corporate Treasury Management from Treasury Management Institute (TMI), UK and on Project Management from Project Management Institute (PMI) Pennsylvania, USA.

Simon Started his career in 2005 from United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and later joined Intercontinental Bank Plc in 2008 and Access in 2012 as a Relationship Banker. He Joined Chidi Onyewuchi & Co. as a Senior Audit Manager and Bolton White Hotels Ltd as the Financial Controller in 2018 where he resigned as the Group Financial Controller in 2023.

Simon is an inspiring, passionate Team player and leader.