As part of activities leading up to its 34th annual international conference and exhibition holding in Lagos, Nigeria (13-17 November 2016), the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) organised a golf tournament in the scenic city of Uyo.

The young professionals determined not to be left out of activities in Uyo decided to organize a get together at the pool side of Le Meridien Uyo. The event was designed to bring as many NAPE/AAPG young professionals and student representatives within and around Uyo as possible, to sensitize them about the activities of AAPG and NAPE — as well as to network and bond through fun activities at the pool side.

In all, there were 27 attendees.

AAPG-AR YP Lead 'Demola Lanisa delivered a brief talk where he challenged the YPs to change their thinking and approach to opportunities. He also spoke on the benefits of joining AAPG as a YP and as a student.

After his talk 23 persons indicated interest in joining AAPG.

Doyin Orekoya, senior geologist with Shell Nigeria and former NAPE YP lead, also had words of encouragement for the YPs. The current NAPE YP lead Austin also had some words of advice for the YPs.

NAPE President Nosa Omorodion attended and interacted warmly with the YPs, sharing his personal experience and the challenges he faced as a YP himself in the early to mid 1990s. His talk was very well appreciated as the students and YPs listened with rapt attention and asked many questions after his talk.

Phillip Ajaebili a YP and Shell Nigeria geophysicist, ended the event with a charge to the students and YPs in the light of the current economic downturn. Thereafter the participants networked and interacted over some food and fun activities.

The feedback from the participants was that it was an extremely worthwhile evening where they learnt a whole lot and had plenty of fun alongside.