Hyginus Okoye’s Post

Happy workiversary! Today is exactly a year since the first batch of Takoradi employees joined the Dangote Cement Production family. I found that having an open mind allowed you to gain insights on the job from all facets of an organization, regardless of the hierarchy at play in the system. Not so long ago, I had to take a break as a writer and researcher to gain some other relevant experience. The stakes were high as I was not getting any younger. This was the dilemma: do you accept the role as a logistician in the manufacturing industry, or pursue postgraduate applications in the field of Conflict, Peace, and Security? It took a leap. I decided to embark on new waters despite the fear of being drowned by the waves of a context I had little to no experience in. And I must admit, I was shocked for some time as all working environments are not the same. Nonetheless, there is an important aspect for me through it all. It’s been a year since I began work as a weighbridge officer. I’ve learned and will like to share some aphorisms I squeezed out of my experience. Here are some of the few lessons learnt based on my personal journey: 1.      Don’t underestimate the capabilities of anyone. Not their strengths or weaknesses. You will find this helpful in confusing times. 2.      Observe more and talk less. You absorb more in that way. 3.       Trust your gut when in the dark. However, ensure no torch was handed to you in the first place. 4.      Prove yourself by completing the tasks assigned to you on time. It is much more expedient than any excuse you can possibly think of. 5.      Understand the organizational culture. It enriches your understanding of the company when combined with the insights of organizational policies. Disclaimer: The opinions and thoughts expressed in this post are mine and should not be attributed to Dangote Industries Limited.

Of course we are African Finest

Benefits of Professional Workshops in the #oilandgasindustry Workshops have been very informative and it is seen as an advanced opportunity to gain knowledge in a specific or specialized topic of interest. Most times we have heard and attended a lot of conferences that contained a lot of activities and knowledge sharing with networking opportunities, but most times we neglect the impacts #workshops have on our career. What are the benefits of attending workshops: 1️⃣ Inclusivity: Most times, workshops are designed to accommodate required (fewer people) people, activities, and engagements. This is because, it gives the room for personal interactions, mini-projects, and collaborations. 2️⃣ Hands-on: This gives participants the chance to be involved in practicing skills. Most times project designs or practical with the guidance of experts. 3️⃣ Specialty: I love workshops due to a defined topic system. Workshops are mostly for a specific course which brings about intensive discussions and brainstorming. Don't forget, you can also have fun and #network during workshops after all, all learning and no fun, makes Simbi a dull girl🫣😂 In all, I look forward to attending the 2024 SPE AYPW coming up in May. #we_are_spe #24AYPW_GH 💙🤍 ©2024 SPE AYPW Society of Petroleum Engineers International Terry Palisch SPE Young Members SPE NIGERIA COUNCIL Society of Petroleum Engineers - SPE Ghana Section SPE Benin Section SPE Angola Section (Society of Petroleum Engineers) SPE Port Harcourt Section SPE Lagos Section 61 SPE Abuja Section 199 SPE Warri Nigeria Section Have you attended a workshop before and how was it? Have you learned anything new from my post? Then help me #engage and #share with your networks so I can be among the beneficiaries of the great opportunity to attend the #SPEAYPW_GH with my reason on #video. Thanks💕🌹

Section Chairman’s Message. Dear Esteemed Professional and Student Members, I consider it an honour to serve as the Chairman of this great Warri Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). In the next one year, I am very optimistic that we have what it takes to provide a positive experience to our members and the community. I also wish to express my profound gratitude to the Board of Directors for the opportunity and the new board members for committing to embark on this service. As the industry evolves amidst the global energy outlook and technological advancement, there is need to proactively educate and develop industry professionals, students, and leaders to be abreast the changes and current reality. Therefore, SPE Warri Section will be focused on delivering programs and technical events aimed at realizing these objectives to our members and creating value for our community. Hence, the 3 key pillars of focus this board year are: 1. Deliver more technical and development events, themed on topical industry issues, and covering the SPE technical sections. 2. Increase membership strength – Achieve 100% retention, drive new membership through mass recruitment campaigns, and increase YP to student conversion. 3. Fund Raising – Every planned program should be funded. We will continue to engage with existing and prospective partners & and sponsors to maintain strong alliances and relationships. We will also continue to deliver our community outreach programs and build on the gains we have achieved over the past few years. To deliver these goals, I will rely on your strength in volunteerism and the collective efforts of our professional and student members. Every idea to deliver these goals is welcome, and so the members of this board and I are open to suggestions. I strongly believe that we have all the talents we need in this section. Let us work together to deliver these objectives in the coming months. Tamunotonye Biambo Section Chairman, SPE Warri Nigeria Section.

"Attending professional workshops can truly elevate your skills and career prospects! Thanks for sharing your insights and inspiring others to invest in their growth 💼🌟 #ProfessionalDevelopment"

Reno Omokri Do you know why oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria have to keep applying for expatriate quotas to bring in thousands of foreign workers? It is because there are over 250,000 oil and gas jobs in Nigeria, yet Nigerians keep going to universities to read library science, linguistics, sociology, philosophy and political science. Courses that have no relevance to anywhere and anything in Nigeria. Then these same people complain that foreigners are coming to take their jobs. What job can you do at Chevron with your PhD in Religious Studies? That is why Total and Elf are bringing non-graduates with technical skills from France to do jobs that you could have done if you had just spent six months learning a skill. Dangote built a $19.5 billion refinery and could not find 11,000 Nigerian technicians to run it, because all of you have degrees in botany and philosophy. Google it. Dangote had to import 11,000 technicians from India. They are at Lekki earning in one hour more than you make in a month, because you wasted four years studying languages and linguistics. The next thing is to join Obidients to blame Tinubu for your predicament. | greet you o!

Reflecting on a virtual meeting I joined yesterday, I am eager to share the nuances of an exciting professional experience which delved into the benefits of being a student member of SPE. What does SPE stand for and is it for only petroleum engineers, one may ask? SPE, which stands for Society of Petroleum Engineers, is not meant for only petroleum engineers but is inclusive of all students and welcomes everyone who wants to be part. The speaker who is the Past Membership Chair of SPE as well as the health safety and environmental advisor at Tullow Ghana Limited gave not just an informative presentation but a compelling one which left a lasting impact on everyone. Let me start with a little historical background of SPE. SPE began in the United States with the American Institute of Mining Engineers which currently has approximately 119,000 members and has a mission to connect a global community of engineers, scientists and all energy-related professionals to exchange knowledge with a wonderful vision; to advance oil and gas to meet the world’s energy need in a safe, secure, and sustainable manner. The membership compositions of SPE are into 3 categories: 1. Students chapter 2. Young professionals 3. Senior professionals BENEFITS OF BEING A STUDENT MEMBER OF SPE. 1. Educational opportunities and access to resource materials 2. Network of connections 3. Technical knowledge gain 4. Free or discounted access to technical publications 5. Opportunity to advance career and learn about leadership 6. Exposure to programs offered globally and in-country 7. Access to student paper contests 8. Ambassador lecture program 9. E-mentorship 10. Career pathway fair 11. Scholarship opportunities The speaker also mentioned that in the oil and gas industry, they don't only employ petroleum engineers. There are subdivisions such as procurement, law, finance, and many more so students should not keep in mind that the oil and gas company belongs solely to petroleum engineers. Aside the course one is studying, it is beneficial to acquire some skills and also learn a lot of stuff because as students, we can do a lot of things within a space. It is just important to identify what your talent is. Student tours should be taken seriously and also follow technical publications. Students may even get papers which are related to their project work. The speaker, Enoch Akoto, your wonderful experience shared has left an indelible mark on me. Sir Philip, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your skillful moderation that enriched the entire experience. Society of Petroleum Engineers - SPE Ghana Section, your contributions towards students have undoubtedly ignited a newfound enthusiasm in me. #wearespe 🤗❤

This emphasizes the crucial need for early career exploration before even considering higher education. Before filling in and submitting that application form, are you fully aware of the intricacies of your chosen field? Do you understand the industries involved, their locations, specific departments, and the required skill sets? Launching your career involves much more than blindly pursuing a degree. It ensures you're not left out searching aimlessly for a job, potentially ending up in Kampala seeking employment with a degree in Agriculture.

Reflecting on the latter quarter of 2023, I found myself at a crossroads. With over 2000 petroleum engineering students in Ghana eyeing the same career path, I realized the importance of carving out a unique identity in a competitive landscape. The thought of competing with 76 classmates for limited opportunities sent shivers down my spine. That's when I asked myself: "How can I stand out? How can I be more than just another petroleum engineer?" The answer came through introspection and research. I made a bold decision to integrate data analytics into my career trajectory. It wasn't just about seizing an opportunity; it was about creating one. Amidst the risks, I was driven by passion and determination, knowing that I needed to add unique value not only to myself but to any team or organization I'd be a part of. Change is inevitable, but it's our response to it that defines our journey. I've learned that embracing change opens doors to new opportunities and possibilities. It's about being proactive, not reactive. So, I urge you all to ask yourselves: "Who am I? What sets me apart from the crowd? How can I continually evolve for my own growth and the advancement of my company?" Remember, procrastination is the thief of time. Start now, take that leap, and pave your own path to success. Let's embrace change, celebrate uniqueness, and unlock our full potential together. #CareerJourney #EmbraceChange #DataAnalytics #BeBold #UnlockPotential