Aret Adams Memorial Lecture Series: Honoring the Legacy of an Unsung Oil Industry Hero
Lagos, Nigeria — The legacy of Chief Godwin Aretanekha Adams, a foundational figure in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), was once again brought into national consciousness as industry leaders, dignitaries, and associates converged in Lagos for the 22nd Aret Adams Memorial Lecture Series. This annual gathering, established by the Aret Adams Foundation, continues to shine a light on the values and visionary leadership of a man widely regarded as the unsung hero of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
This year’s edition served not only as a remembrance of the late Chief Adams but also as a call to uphold integrity, professional excellence, and institutional accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape.
In his welcome address, Engr. Charles Osezua, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Aret Adams Foundation, reflected on Adams’ unceremonious removal from his position at NNPC. “It was said to be in the ‘national interest’, but no explanation was ever offered,” Osezua remarked. “Yet, his legacy endures, not just in structures and reforms, but in people—many of whom are leaders in this industry today.”
Themed around “Legacies and Impacts on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry”, this year’s lecture featured two critical panel sessions that dissected leadership, institutional capacity development, and the rebuilding of trust in Nigeria’s oil governance frameworks. Speakers included revered industry voices like Ben Osuno, Chief Chambers Oyibo, James Orife, Dr. Ebi Omatsola, and Pastor Daniel Ndefo, all of whom painted a vivid picture of a man defined by resilience, discipline, and vision.
Chief James Orife described Aret Adams as “a man of honesty and integrity,” who consistently placed national interest above personal gain. “He didn’t just do the job; he understood the weight of the oil sector on Nigeria’s economic destiny and worked tirelessly to safeguard its potential.”
Dr. Ebi Omatsola, a respected geologist, offered a deeply personal testimony. “Aret Adams inspired me and stood by me when I needed support in my early career. Thanks to him, I was able to transition to a new role where I spent over 30 years. He believed in people. He believed in growth.”
A particularly impactful moment came during the address by former NNPC GMD Engr. Andrew Yakubu, who called for a depoliticized and ethnically-neutral restructuring of the petroleum sector. Reflecting on his own experiences, Yakubu emphasized the structured development programs that once existed at NNPC. “In those days, young engineers underwent rigorous training. We had to earn our place and prove our competence. That system, which brought out the best in us, is no longer what it used to be,” he lamented.
Yakubu also highlighted Adams’ commitment to fostering institutional excellence and productivity across the board. “His strategy was to ensure each division achieved its targets—he ran NNPC like a mission, not just a business.”
The Aret Adams Foundation has not only preserved the memory of its namesake but has also grown into a symbol of ethical leadership in Nigeria’s extractive sector. Through its yearly lecture series and strategic interventions, including educational grants and infrastructural support to tertiary institutions, the foundation continues to position itself as a moral compass for industry transformation.
The event concluded with strong affirmations of support from industry sponsors and participants, who pledged continued commitment to the ideals that Chief Aret Adams championed. As Nigeria navigates a complex energy transition and faces calls for transparency in its resource management, voices from the memorial urged that Adams’ legacy must guide the nation’s path forward.
