Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been conferred with an Award of Excellence in Leadership by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) for his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The award was presented during the 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) held at the PTDF Towers, Central Business District, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, the governor said he was deeply humbled by the recognition, describing it as a tribute not to him alone but to the resilience and enterprise of the people of Delta State, whose land and waters had sustained Nigeria’s energy wealth for decades.
“To be recognised by an institution of PTI’s stature, the foremost centre for human capacity development in the hydrocarbon sector, is not just a personal honour but a collective one. I accept this award on behalf of our resilient people whose sacrifice and faith continue to drive our development agenda,” he stated.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment, and Governance,” Governor Oborevwori said the paradox of wealth and deprivation in the Niger Delta must give way to an era of inclusive growth, environmental justice, and institutional reform.
He reaffirmed that his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda was designed to correct historical imbalances and usher in a new order of sustainable progress.
He noted that peace and security had been prioritised as the bedrock for sustainable investment, while proactive engagement with community leaders and industry operators had fostered stability and trust.
“We are ensuring that Deltans are not bystanders but participants in the oil and gas value chain,” he said. “Through partnerships with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and institutions like PTI, we are equipping our people with the skills to seize emerging opportunities in the evolving energy landscape.”
The governor also highlighted his administration’s focus on environmental remediation and accountability, insisting that oil operations in the state must conform to global best practices to protect fragile ecosystems.
“A healthy environment is essential to the survival of both our people and the industry,” he stressed. “PTI is not just our neighbour; it is a strategic partner in building a responsible and inclusive hydrocarbon economy.”
He expressed appreciation to the PTI Governing Council and management for the honour, describing it as motivation to do more for the state and the Niger Delta region.
“This recognition strengthens our resolve to deepen collaboration with PTI and all regulatory agencies to build a sector that powers today’s economy while securing a diversified energy future for Nigeria and Africa,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, underscored the importance of aligning growth with governance and environmental responsibility.
He observed that while Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) had provided a solid regulatory foundation, challenges remained in refining capacity, workforce competence, and technology transfer.
“PTI’s role becomes central as we strive to close the skills gap, enhance indigenous participation, and support the energy transition,” Dr. Obi said, outlining three strategic capacity-building priorities for PTI upskilling for energy transition, bridging skills gaps across the value chain, and promoting research and innovation.
In his welcome address, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, said the conference was a vital platform for dialogue on Africa’s energy future as the world navigates an evolving energy transition.
He reaffirmed PTI’s role as the continent’s foremost centre for training, research, and technical capacity development, having produced over 55,000 skilled professionals since inception.
Dr. Onoji also lauded Governor Oborevwori for his support to the Institute, noting that the Delta State Government recently donated operational vehicles to enhance PTI’s logistics and field operations.
He also commended the collaboration among key agencies, including the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NCDMB, and NNPC Academy, in sustaining the conference as a platform for innovation and policy dialogue.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr. Aminu Galadima, represented by General Manager, Mr. Yinka Agboola, reiterated PTDF’s commitment to advancing local content and capacity development.
“Africa must reposition itself not merely as a supplier of raw hydrocarbons but as a hub for innovation, cleaner production, and sustainable energy systems,” he said.
The conference brought together key players from government, the academia, and the private sector to chart a sustainable pathway for Africa’s hydrocarbon future.
Governor Oborevwori’s recognition by PTI, observers noted, reinforces his administration’s growing national profile as a champion of responsible governance, environmental protection, and inclusive growth in the oil and gas industry.
