interview !PETAN has achieved its purpose of existence- MD, Oilserve

In this interview with OLUWAGBENGA BANKOLE and other selected journalists at the recently held 10^th PETAN annual oil and industry awards dinner in Lagos, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Oilserve, Engr. Chukwuemeka Okwuosa speaks on the significant of the award he won on the evening to him, how PETAN has been able to achieve its purpose of existence and other typical issues. Excerpt!

What is the significant of this award to you?

The award is the recognition of all the efforts I and others have contributed into the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Mostly of what I have contributed, but you know that contribution comes basically as a group. PETAN as an organisation has a lot in terms of credit because when we formed the association many years ago, we set to achieve what we believed we have achieved now which is to domiciled and indigenized services in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Beyond that we have gone ahead to develop capacity in exploration and production. What it means today is that we have ability or capabilities in the industry to be able to develop oil and gas resources and produce better. What I can tell you is 20 0r 30years ago that was unthinkable.

 How do you really feel to win this award at the time of downturn in oil prices?

Recognition is recognition irrespective of the stage where you are as far as the oil and gas is concern. The downturn of oil industry is a circle, is not the first time and it is not going to be the last time it will happen. Oil price regime goes up and down depending on some market forces and today the market forces have come in a way that we have more supply than demand. The recognition is not tied to this movement of oil price. The award is more of a challenge because the downturn in activity and lowering of oil price is affecting the economy of oil and gas production. This is the time we have more challenge to show that we can turn around the oil and gas industry and be able to move up again. This is actually a path in the back to drive the oil and gas industry.

What message do you have for young engineers and entrepreneurs?  

My message to young people whether they are engineers or doctors is that they should believe in themselves. They need to know that for any source of any form to occur, you have to build the blocks one by one which mean they have to work hard in the right direction. The right direction is adding the right value, the right value is capacity building and it is not done in a day. It is a long time affair.