Following the request to participate in the AAPG Visiting Geoscientists Program, AAPG member Kenny Ladipo delivered a lecture at the University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, on 3 December 2016, on the topic, “Finding New Plays in a Mature Brown Basin: The Niger Delta.”

The presentation discussed the key steps in the changes is the creaming curve of the Niger Delta, which were the results of improvements in data and technology applications, as well as how concepts of the delta evolved over the last 20-30years.

The results of these step changes in the knowledge base of the delta were discussed and implications for increased potential for oil and gas discoveries.

In concluding the presentation, it was made clear that there will be a need for new professionals to fill the seemingly alarming gap in the demographics of the professional spectrum, driven by global demands for oil and gas to supply the world’s energy requirements into the future. The current downturn is temporary and therefore the future for new geoscientists is bright as well as alternative career paths.

Acknowledgement

The level of participation by the small audience was very high, especially also because of the spread of experience of the attendees. This was made possible by the brilliant planning of Dr. Mimonitu Opuwari, the AAPG Africa Region representative, and I wish to express my very sincere appreciation to him.