I Believe Every Challenge Carries An Opportunity To Learn, Grow, And Make A Difference

• Can we have an insight into your background?

I studied Applied Geophysics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and later earned a master’s degree in the same course from the University of Lagos. I started my career with Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, which gave me my first hands-on experience in the oil and gas industry.

From there, I have been fortunate to take on leadership roles in different organizations, including Centrica Resources (British Gas), Peak Petroleum, Degeconek Consulting, and Asharami Energy, which is the upstream arm of Sahara Group.

At Asharami, I led the team that successfully delivered first oil in record time, which was a really rewarding experience. Currently, I am the MD/CEO of Ingentia Energies Limited, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company.

Beyond the technical work, I am passionate about leading with integrity and professionalism. As the President-elect of Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE, I do my best to use my journey to inspire younger professionals, who want to make an impact in the industry.

• You studied Applied Geophysics, what motivated your choice of the course?

I have always been passionate about science. Growing up in a family of educators, I developed a deep admiration for knowledge and problem-solving, so it was natural for me to be drawn to fields like engineering and technology.

At first, I was fascinated by civil engineering, I loved seeing how incredible structures like bridges could be built over water, then I became curious about computer engineering.

However, what really captured my interest was Geophysics. To me, it offered the perfect blend of science, technology, and real-world impact, and I found that exciting.

Choosing Geophysics was not the easiest path. My parents were a bit concerned about me going into what was seen as a male-dominated field. But rather than discourage me, that only strengthened my resolve.

I have always believed that passion, skill, and dedication, not gender, should define one’s career, and I was determined to build my own path in a field that challenges and inspires me.

• Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career?

I have been fortunate to have many mentors in the industry who have supported and guided me throughout my journey. I look up to respected professionals like Mr. Biodun Adesanya, Dr. Kehinde Ladipo, Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Dr. Layi Fatona, Dr. Emmanuel Enu, and Mr. Austin Avuru, among others.

Whenever I find myself at a crossroads, they have always been willing to listen and offer solid advice and practical solutions. Their guidance has truly shaped my career, and I am deeply grateful for their support.

• What keeps you motivated, even when the journey gets tough?

What keeps me going is the belief that every challenge carries an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to make a difference. I am driven by a sense of purpose: knowing that my work impacts not just the company, but the people, communities, and future generations we serve.

I draw strength from my faith in God, from the support of those around me, and from the responsibility to pave the way for others, especially young professionals looking up and seeing what is possible. That is what inspires me to keep pushing forward, no matter how hard it gets.

• Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in the course of your career?

There are some experiences that have stayed with me because they made all the years of study, hard work, and extra effort truly feel worth it. One I’m especially proud of is when my team and I delivered a five-year work program in less than three years, it showed what’s possible when people are dedicated and focused.

Another was in 2016, when oil prices fell to $30 and many companies were downsizing. It was a difficult time, but we found creative ways to protect jobs. Under my leadership as the MD, we successfully reduced the company’s overhead by 52% without laying off any staff.

For me, that was more than just a business decision, it was about protecting livelihoods and standing by valued and committed staff when it mattered most.

• What have been your achievements as the MD of Ingentia Energies?

One of the achievements I am most proud of as the MD of Ingentia Energies is leading our small but dedicated team to attain first oil in record time, this was no small feat. We worked with limited resources and funding, but through teamwork, innovation, and sheer determination, we achieved what many thought would take longer.

Another thing I am proud of is how intentional we have been about involving the communities around our field. We have made it a priority to hire locally, not just for full-time roles but also through internships, so young people in the community we operate can get real experience and feel a sense of ownership in what we’re building.

We have also ensured that some of the services we carry out on the field are handled by contractors from the host communities. It is important to me that as we grow, the people around us grow too. I want them to be part of the journey, not just observing from the sidelines.

Beyond that, I have worked hard with my team to keep our operations steady and consistent. We have been able to maintain regular oil production and evacuation, which has not always been easy, but it is something we have been very deliberate about.

For me, it is not just about hitting numbers. It is about building a company that adds real value, both in the industry and in the lives of the people around us.

• What are your aspirations for the company?

My biggest aspiration is for Ingentia Energies to be known not just as another player in oil and gas, but as a company that truly does things differently, with integrity, safety, and care at the core. I want us to be a model for how energy companies can operate responsibly, without cutting corners or compromising people and the environment.

We are in an industry that is often seen as rigid or slow to evolve, but I believe we can change that narrative. I want to see us embrace smarter technologies, build strong local partnerships, and leave a positive footprint in the communities where we work, not just in words, but in real, tangible ways.

At the heart of it, my hope is that everything we do creates lasting value for our people, our partners, and Nigeria as a whole. If in a few years people can point to Ingentia and say, “They got it right,” then I will know we have done our job.