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Sunday A. Adole: Revolutionizing the oil and gas industry through technological innovations

By Linda Garth
19 June 2023   |   1:30 am
The oil and gas industry stands at the forefront of global energy production, driving economies and fueling progress.

The oil and gas industry stands at the forefront of global energy production, driving economies and fueling progress. Amidst the complexities and challenges of this dynamic sector, individuals with extraordinary vision and expertise have emerged as game-changers, reshaping the industry through groundbreaking innovations. One such luminary is Sunday A. Adole, whose profound contributions and remarkable achievements in the field of pertrophysics have propelled the industry into a new era. Next, read the interview with Mr. Adole.

Please describe what kind of unique career related talents you have and how they have influenced the outcome of your life, your career or your educational background. 

I am a subject matter expert in the field of petrophysics, with over 15 years of experience in the development of innovative solutions to formation evaluation problems in a wide range of reservoir types. My expertise is in – Integrated reservoir characterization, assessment of unconventional resources, advanced statistical methods of log analysis, petrophysical uncertainty quantification, saturation height modeling,1D mechanical earth modeling, machine learning, facies analysis, depositional rock typing, and the ability to efficiently analyze large datasets.

My work experience has been global in scope and includes significant periods supporting oil and gas exploration & development onshore United States in the Permian and Delaware basins, Deepwater West Africa, offshore and onshore Nigeria, onshore Algeria, offshore Angola, and the partitioned neutral zone in the Arabian Gulf (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia). I am an industrious and quantitative technical leader supporting successful asset and exploration teams from the technical center of one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies. Also coordinating and prioritizing respective formation evaluation activities for assets worth billions of dollars.

I have written many technical reports, and scientific papers on advanced petrophysical technology and interpretation approaches, such as – reducing the uncertainty of porosity, saturation, and completions optimization with NMR logging while drilling; petrophysical workflow to identify net pay and reservoir productivity in thin beds, and the impact of fractures on producibility and completions in a heavy oil carbonate reservoir. Due to these publications, I have gained visibility in public speaking on platforms like SPWLA, AAPG, NAPE, etc., which has influenced my career and life journey.

Thanks to my passion for petrophysics, I mentor next generation petrophysicists and petroleum engineers and serve as a role model to provide guidance and support on formation evaluation and upstream business knowledge. I have also presented seminars and training to interns, peers, and senior colleagues at leading O&G technical centers and industry forums worldwide. As an SME, author, and frequent speaker at leading oil & gas conferences, I am a highly respected thought leader in the field of petrophysics.

Please describe the conditions in which you were raised as a child. Where were you born? What did you like to do as a child? 

Born in Kano, Nigeria, childhood was exciting. My father was an avionics specialist in the Nigerian Airforce and moved a lot across continents. I enjoyed playing outdoors with friends, whether it was football/soccer, visiting amusement parks or digging up mud, etc. (which might have influenced my choice to read Geology).

What did your parents/family members do for a living? Did they help you pursue your goals and dreams? 

I come from a family with a strong background in the field of aviation and defense. My late father was a highly skilled avionics specialist in the Nigerian Air Force, and my mother worked as a civilian staff member for the Federal Ministry of Defense. Their influence has motivated me to pursue a career in the sciences with a great deal of confidence and determination.

My family’s unwavering support was instrumental in my success. Upon completing my Geology & Mining Bachelor of Science degree, I was invited to a recruitment session by my employer. After a successful recruitment process, I was offered unparalleled career opportunities and the chance to work with diverse teams. This allowed me to gain expertise in various areas such as geology, geophysics, seismic interpretation, log analysis, well planning, wellsite & drilling operations, project management & execution, and oil field business. Thanks to continuous professional development programs and foreign assignments provided by my employer, I was able to further my career growth and become an expert in petrophysics.

Do you have any heroes or people that you look up to in your life?

The invaluable guidance and mentorship of industry experts have been instrumental in directing me toward the right research and training programs, as well as leadership development initiatives on a global scale. My expertise in petrophysics and oilfield standard operating procedures is a testament to their invaluable support. Furthermore, my mother is a true inspiration to me as she managed to run a business and raise me and my three sisters single-handedly after our father’s untimely demise.

What are your current goals in life and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

To truly excel as a leader and make a meaningful impact on your organization, it’s essential to embrace a growth mindset. With over two decades of experience in the petroleum industry, I’ve consistently challenged myself to take on greater responsibilities and leverage my hard-earned expertise to keep pushing forward. In today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, this mindset is nothing short of indispensable for anyone looking to truly thrive.

I envision myself as a highly skilled T-shaped employee who adeptly utilizes data science, cutting-edge technologies, and digital insights to tackle challenges in the modern field of petrophysics and focus on new energy systems. With the energy sector undergoing significant changes, I am confident in my ability to make a substantial impact by supporting exploration, appraisal, and development projects, as well as emerging energy sectors such as geothermal and carbon management. My comprehensive understanding of their limitations and belief in a multidisciplinary approach will ensure that I am well-equipped to achieve success.

Have you worked or studied with any famous people in your life?

I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with top-notch industry leaders and Fortune Global 500 CEOs at various conferences and platforms. These encounters have instilled in me an unshakable resolve to succeed, no matter what. I take immense pride in acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of Captain Stephen Owolabi Martins, my high school senior who currently serves as the CEO of Azimuth Shipping Lines Limited, a key player in the oil and gas midstream industry. His triumphs are a motivation to me.

What is your educational background? 

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology & Mining from the renowned University of Jos and a Master of Science degree in Applied Geophysics from the esteemed University of Lagos. Additionally, I completed a rigorous Organizational Capability Program in Petrophysics with a leading oil and gas company based in the United States.

Have you ever received any awards or accolades while studying in school, a university or in your career? 

I have been honored with numerous prestigious awards for my impressive track record in successfully executing projects and pioneering innovative petrophysical technologies that have completely transformed the oil and gas industry. Moreover, my unwavering dedication to motivating and empowering young individuals to pursue their professional aspirations has earned me recognition from the YMCA Trotter Family USA.

What are the most important facts that you want people to know about you?

My exceptional petrophysical solutions are tailored to fit the specific needs of any project, setting me apart from my peers. With my diverse range of skills, I am equipped to support groundbreaking ideas and lead the next generation of petrophysicists and petroleum engineers in implementing scientific solutions. My unwavering passion for assisting others in achieving their career goals has earned me recognition and accolades for my unparalleled teaching of petrophysics fundamentals, both in Nigeria and the USA.

I excel at addressing intricate issues that involve both people and technology, all while aiming to elevate business performance and encourage cooperation. As a prominent figure in managing major ventures within the oil and gas domain, I can steer a constructive transformation in the petroleum industry and support the national agenda of the United States.

 How do you plan on becoming better at what you do in the future?

The world is rapidly shifting towards cleaner energy sources such as carbon solutions, hydrogen, geothermal and geo-energy, energy storage, and critical minerals. This shift has resulted in significant investments in new technologies and has created vast opportunities for carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS). CCUS is a crucial tool enabling various industries to reduce carbon emissions and confidently promote economic prosperity. I will focus on innovative petrophysical interpretation and analysis to support oil and gas companies in developing sustainable business ventures that align with this trend.

To guarantee my progress, I will continue to exhibit diverse and inclusive behaviors, make decisive and strategic choices by embracing multidisciplinary collaboration, cultivate enduring connections to enhance my abilities, give priority to providing solutions that produce tangible outcomes for my clients, and impart my expertise to young professionals.

Author – Linda Garth
Linda Garth is a passionate writer with an interest in capturing the stories of remarkable individuals, inspiring and motivating readers.

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