The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, will join other stakeholders in Lagos to mark the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists.

The event, happening today, Thursday, August 14, would also be attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, among other stakeholders.

NAPE said it plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary with industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart the course for the next half-century of Nigeria’s energy journey.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos on Monday, the President of NAPE, Johnbosco Uche, said the Golden Jubilee, themed ’Pioneering the Future of Energy in Africa’, would honour the association’s legacy while setting a renewed agenda for innovation, inclusiveness, and national relevance in the energy sector.

Founded in 1975 by a group of Nigerian geoscientists, Uche said NAPE has grown into the largest professional petroleum geoscience association in Africa and a key voice in shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

According to him, the body had made landmark contributions through policy advocacy, bridging the gap between academia and industry, professional capacity building, and promoting sustainable energy transition.

He noted that NAPE’s University Assistance Programme had provided equipment, software, books, and mentorship to more than 60 geoscience departments across Nigerian universities, helping to nurture future energy professionals.

The association, he added, had also championed discussions on gas development, frontier basin exploration, and the balance between energy transition and national development.

Aside from goodwill messages from stakeholders, he stated that there would be a CEO panel session on unlocking future opportunities and the recognition of 50 distinguished individuals and institutions who have shaped the industry.

The celebration will culminate in a gala night and awards ceremony to honour excellence, leadership, and service to nation-building.

“As we mark this jubilee, we rededicate ourselves to professionalism, innovation, collaboration, and service to Nigeria. Energy is not just about oil and gas. It is about people, prosperity, and possibilities,” Uche submitted.