By Martin Opara
High Chief (Engr.) Oliver Chukwudi Okparaojiako, an acclaimed engineer of international repute and illustrious son of Umuadu, Amaruru, in Orsu LGA of Imo State, will, today the 22nd December, 2017, be honoured as the Grand Patron of the prestigious and elitist Recreation Sports Club, Orlu, also in Imo State.
High Chief Okparajiako, who is a 1979 graduate of Mechanical engineering from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, joined the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in 1980 and was later redeployed as a pioneer staff of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), where he held several sensitive positions.
He was, at different times, Head Marketing in Lagos, Zonal Operations Controller Lagos, Deputy Director, Gas and retired as Deputy Director, Downstream Monitoring and Regulations, in 2014.
His proactive approach was said to be instrumental to the creation of private depots that eased the distribution of petroleum products in the country and cushioned the effect of the near collapse of government storage facilities. He was also actively involved in the issuing operational licenses to over nine thousand indigenous independent petroleum marketing and distribution companies, a feat that transferred storage, distribution and re-sale of products to the hands of Nigerians.
Some knowledgeable sources in the oil and gas industry, described Engr. Okparaojiako as a seasoned administrator and technocrat who contributed immensely to the regulation, monitoring and supervision of Nigeria petroleum, oil and gas activities and ensured compliance to standards and good oil industry practice.
This oil industry expert who has traveled extensively and attended several professional courses and seminars in Nigeria and overseas, will today be honoured as Grand Patron of Recreation Sports Club, Orlu in recognition of his professional expertise, contribution to the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry and service to God and humanity, is expected to use his wealth of experience to take the prestigious sports club, to the next level.
