In a bid to drum up support for the NAPE Annual International Conference and Exhibition and to introduce NAPE as an organization and its activities, the leadership of the association led by its president, Dr. Mayowa Afe, recently visited the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

Earlier on arrival to Akure, the NAPE team paid homage to the Deji of Akure, HRM, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, at his Palace. The team was received warmly by His Royal Majesty who praised NAPE for its achievements since its inception.

In his speech at the Governor’s office, Afe commended the Governor for the high infrastructural strides he has been able to undertake in the State. He described Ondo State as a fertile land for investors, especially in Oil and Gas, including tar sand.

He urged the Government to ensure proper demarcation of its territory in order to curb loss of resources as recently witnessed in Cross Rivers State as result of the Supreme Court decision ceding majority of Cross Rivers State Oil Wells to Akwa Ibom State.

The President also noted that a larger portion of the State’s resources were yet to be exploited, and promised that NAPE will work closely with the Ondo State government for mutual benefits and relationship. He ended his speech by officially inviting His Excellency to the NAPE International Conference and Exhibition and wishing him the success in the upcoming Governorship Election.

In response, Governor Mimiko thanked the President and other members of his entourage for making out time to visit. He expressed optimism that the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which is expected to transfer the management of bitumen from the Ministry of Solid Minerals to the Petroleum Ministry,will improve the state’s economic income.

The Governor also assured of his Government’s collaboration with NAPE in order to attract more investors to the State. He further added that his administration had embarked on measures to make the state an investors’ destination.

As a mark of honour to the Governor, the NAPE President decorated him with the NAPE lapel and presented him some of the Association’s publication; while the Vice President, Seye Fadahunsi also decorated the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi. Other top government officials were decorated by the NAPE Fellows that accompanied the President for the visit.