By Divine Sam
Port Harcourt, Nigeria: In a remarkable blend of engineering excellence and humanitarian impact, Eur Ing Dr. Chinedu Ogwus CEng IntPE(UK) MEI is quietly transforming lives in the Niger Delta through strategic youth empowerment and community development.
Hailing from Edeoha Community in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State, Dr. Ogwus has built a stellar career in the oil and gas industry while dedicating his influence to dismantling societal ills such as youth restiveness, cultism, and oil theft.
Currently serving as Head of Purchasing (Engineering, Construction & Projects) at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Dr. Ogwus brings 24 years of oil and gas experience 14 offshore and 10 onshore to the table. His role has spanned gas operations, strategic development, contract management, and alignment with Nigeria’s Export and Domestic Gas Master Plans.
But beyond the boardroom and offshore rigs, Dr. Ogwus is best known today for his groundbreaking non-profit: Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO). As President of the NGO, he’s driving a quiet revolution among Niger Delta youth steering them away from oil bunkering, kidnapping, and drug abuse, and guiding them toward peace, education, leadership, and sustainable livelihoods.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Peacebuilding
Under Dr. Ogwus’ leadership, OYECDO has already scored major milestones:
- Tangible impact on oil bunkering reduction, contributing to increased oil production, as acknowledged by the Nigerian government in early 2025.
- Youth sports breakthroughs, with four local football talents scouted into the De Cardinal Football Academy through a partnership with the Upata Traditional Council.
- Provision of over 270 solar-powered streetlights to underserved communities to improve security and infrastructure.
- Educational support through the distribution of writing materials to schools across Rivers State.
- Welfare initiatives for widows and vulnerable populations, as showcased on the OYECDO website.
- Peace and security campaigns across schools and public spaces to promote harmony and nonviolence.
A Professional of Global Repute
Dr. Ogwus is a highly decorated professional recognized both locally and internationally. He is:
- A Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Petroleum Engineer accredited by the UK’s Energy Institute.
- A European Engineer (EUR ING) by FEANI, acknowledged across 32 European nations.
- A Fellow and Chartered Manager (FCMI) of the Chartered Management Institute (UK).
- A Certified International Project Manager (CIPM) and Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management (USA).
- A Justice of the Peace (JP) in Rivers State since 2016.
He also holds prestigious roles as Africa Regional Director for Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Training Adviser for Energy Institute Africa, and a professional mentor for postgraduate students at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
His pioneering work in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS), particularly in using AI to secure pipelines and combat oil theft, has earned him wide acclaim. In 2019, SPE recognized him with the League of Volunteers award, honoring his tireless mentorship and technical contributions.
Engineering with Purpose
Dr. Ogwus’ story exemplifies how elite professionals can become agents of social transformation. His commitment to mentoring, ethical leadership, and service through innovation is a model for the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
“In today’s global economy, we need more than professionals we need visionaries who can harness innovation to solve real-world problems,” Dr. Ogwus states. “At OYECDO, we’re showing that change doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting.”
From energy platforms to community platforms, Dr. Chinedu Ogwus is lighting the path toward a safer, smarter, and more empowered Niger Delta.
Leave a Reply