If there is anything to talk about now, it is peace in the world. It is therefore appropriate to talk and write about the activities of professional associations -- societies that are the fabric of high integrity, honesty, fairness and responsible family life. They build on individual and group appreciation of sustainable life.
AAPG, an international geological organization made up of astute professionals with over 30,000 members across the globe, seeks to continue to bring peace into the world through the sharing of knowledge in areas of technology and techniques appropriate for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and other economic minerals.
AAPG has membership in six international regions: Africa, Asia/Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Middle East. Each has a defined organizational structure, associated well-articulated roles and responsibilities meant for the efficient and effective management of AAPG activities.
In the Africa Region, an elected four-member executive team and their associated service team leaders across the African continent are currently responsible for running the affairs of the region through next July. I would therefore seize this opportunity to thank Adebayo Akinpelu (immediate past president of the Africa region) and members of the executive committee for their pioneering effort in laying a solid foundation for the region.
Upon this foundation, we will progressively build.
Furthermore, I would like to commend all the AAPG past presidents, especially Robbie Gries (2000-01) and Richard Bishop (1998-99), and also Nahum Schneidermann, for their individual and collective efforts in ensuring that the region is up and running.
My special thanks, too, to all who elected me into this position to carry on the mantle of leadership. As you have entrusted the members of the incoming executive team (who will be voted in soon) and I with the Constitution and Bylaws that would guide the execution of activities within the Africa Region and AAPG at-large, we assure you of rewarding years ahead.
In meeting the challenges and opportunities that abound in a rapidly competitive business environment globally, I seek your active participation and contribution to the growth and development of our association, in Africa and worldwide in general.
Our program for the year will dovetail into the 2003-04 AAPG president’s program (see July EXPLORER), which includes:
- Promoting professionalism.
- Enhancement of student programs.
- Increasing intersociety programs.
- Increasing public outreach.
- International development.
- Budget planning.
- Creation of a new long-range plan for AAPG.
Although, the Africa Region is "a separate organization from the AAPG," its purpose is "to improve the delivery of the AAPG’s programs and services to the African-based membership and to enable the membership to participate more effectively in the association’s governance processes."
In addition, members of the Region have the responsibility to help expand African participation in the AAPG.
Our major thrust for the current year will be to:
- Initiate and complete a continental survey on the number of university and polytechnic students in the Africa Region where geosciences subjects are being taught.
- Enhance membership growth through promotion and inauguration of more viable student chapters in African universities and polytechnics where geosciences subjects are taught.
- Implement the AAPG Virtual Student Expo -- a concept of giving students access to industry, academic and government recruiters.
- Encourage participation of active members working in professional organizations, companies and in the academics in AAPG education programs, e.g. Visiting Geologist Program, etc.
- Improve on the number of Africa Region representatives in the House of Delegates.
- Enhance cooperation and participation of intra-regional activities among relevant earth science professional bodies, e.g., Nigerian Association Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Earth Science Society of Libya, Moroccan Association of Petroleum Geologists, Egyptian Petroleum Exploration Society and other sister societies.
- Continue to promote a high professional and ethical standard and respect for people among our membership.
We must be seen to deliver the program through your active participation, while meeting the challenges of this global and rapid competitive business environment using the latest technology and techniques that abound.
We must use this technology to continuously improve on the life of the people, through bringing economic viability and peace to the world. We must remember that we are representing our various organizations, international or independent companies in AAPG. I am sure that you will take out more than what you bring in. Our value is hinged on sharing our technology, knowledge, best practices and information with colleagues through the appropriate means, toward maximizing exploitation of hydrocarbons and other economic minerals without re-inventing the wheels.
This will ensure cost-effectiveness and foster global teamwork. However, we must not compromise ethical standards.
The first West Africa Deepwater Regional Conference, jointly organized by NAPE and AAPG, will be held at Abuja, Nigeria, Nov. 14-18, 2004. Abuja is Nigeria’s new federal capital city, located at the geographical center of the country, and has several features that endear it to many visitors local and foreign. You are invited to this upcoming international conference and exhibition on West Africa deepwater exploration, development and production.
Once again, I must thank you for electing me as the president of the AAPG Africa Region. Kunle Adesida, exploration adviser, Shell Petroleum Development Co., 21/22 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria; telephone -- 234 1 260 1600, ext. 65315; cell -- 234 803 446 5315; fax -- 234 1 263 6681.