Notable energy experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders will gather to chart the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in a digital age.

The high-level discussions will form part of the 2025 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Press Week Lecture, according to a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

The statement, jointly signed by Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, Chairman, Press Week Committee, and Mr. Adeyemi Adeleye, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), NAN Lagos chapel.

Ihechu disclosed that the 2025 Annual Press Week of NUJ-NAN Lagos Chapel would hold from Monday, Sept. 22, to Friday, Sept. 26, at selected Lagos venues.

She announced the theme as: ‘Transforming Energy: The Digital Evolution of Oil and Gas.’ She described energy as the bedrock of civilization, powering economies, businesses, and everyday life.

Recognizing this central role, she said the union was convening stakeholders to discuss the ongoing digital transformation reshaping Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape.

Ihechu, assistant Editor-In-Chief at NAN, outlined activities for the week, starting with a health walk and free medical check-up on Sept. 22, tagged ‘Stride Toward a Healthier You.’

The health walk begins at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, by 9 a.m., and ends at NAN Premises, National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

“The week begins with a health-focused walk and free medical checks, encouraging healthy living among journalists and members of the public,” Ihechu stated.

According to him, the free medical check-up is in collaboration with Lion Club International District 404B4.

On Sept. 23, the focus will shift to Cultural Day, at NAN’s Multi-purpose Media Complex, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, commencing at 10 a.m.

“The Cultural Day celebrates Nigeria’s diverse heritage, promoting unity in diversity,” she explained. “It aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of the country’s multi-ethnic identity.”

Sept. 24 has been scheduled for the lecture and symposium titled ‘Transforming Energy: The Digital Evolution of Oil and Gas.’

Ihechu revealed that the lecture would take place at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Main Hall Sports Centre, opposite Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, at 11 a.m.

“The highlight of the Press Week is the keynote lecture, which will explore how digital technologies are reshaping the oil and gas industry.

“The discussions will centre on enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, improving decision-making, and fostering innovation within the sector,” she said.

The keynote lecture will be delivered by Mr Ismaeel Ahmed, Executive Chairman, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi).

Other confirmed speakers include Dr. Clement Isong, CEO of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), and Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE).

Also scheduled are Prof Wumi Iledare, Emeritus Professor of Petroleum Economics at Louisiana State University, Dr. Ayodele Oni, Partner and Chair of the Energy & Natural Resources Practice Group at Bloomfield Law Practice and Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

Ihechu further disclosed that the chairman of the occasion would be Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and MD/CEO of Geoplex Drillteq Ltd.

“This year’s Press Week reflects Lagos NUJ-NAN’s commitment to addressing national issues through dialogue, collaboration, and professional excellence,” Ihechu stressed.

She added that the series of events promised to be insightful, impactful, and solution-driven, as the union leveraged its platform to foster meaningful national conversations. (NAN)