Business
Pioneering Innovation and Excellence in the Global Oil and Gas Landscape, James Arukhe Story
Pioneering Innovation and Excellence in the Global Oil and Gas Landscape, James Arukhe Story
In a realm where the confluence of innovation, deep technical expertise, and leadership is a rarity, James Arukhe emerges as a quintessential figure, leaving an indelible mark on the global oil and gas industry. His journey from academia to the zenith of the global oil and gas industry is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when a profound understanding of engineering melds with an insatiable quest for innovation.
A Visionary in Petroleum Engineering:
As a Petroleum Engineering Specialist at Aramco, a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE 2020-21, and a prolific inventor with a rich portfolio of patents filed at the US Patent Office, Arukhe has propelled himself to the forefront of the industry. His illustrious career, spanning over two decades, is adorned with a multitude of patents that reflect his innovative spirit and forward-thinking prowess that advance the field of petroleum engineering.
Notably, James achieved the highest GPA and had the honor of winning an individual Hackathon at the University of Texas at Austin’s Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Data Science and Business Analytics in November 2022. This early distinction set another stage in a career characterized by groundbreaking contributions to petroleum engineering.
Innovative Contributions to Operational Excellence:
Ranging from optimizing downhole inflow control valves to devising methods for chemically reviving dead wells, Arukhe’s inventions embody his relentless pursuit of operational excellence and sustainability in the oil and gas sector. These patents are not mere attestations of his technical acumen but are significant contributions to enhancing operational efficiencies, safety, and predictive maintenance in the industry.
Global Expertise, Local Roots:
Arukhe’s professional journey started in the heart of Nigeria, gradually unfurling across the globe with pivotal roles in behemoths like Saudi Aramco, Shell, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Petro-Canada. His international sojourns in Saudi Arabia, the UK, Canada, and Nigeria have not only honed his expertise but have also imbued him with a global perspective, across diverse cultural and operational landscapes, invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
Production Optimization Maestro:
His role as a Petroleum Engineering Specialist at Saudi Aramco epitomizes his adeptness in production optimization, steering several field development projects to fruition, and leading projects that surpassed production targets. Arukhe’s tenure saw the genesis and successful implementation of untraditional yet pragmatic solutions in Production and Operations, a hallmark of his innovative approach.
A Commitment to Knowledge and Education:
His commitment to knowledge dissemination is as profound as his passion for innovation. His stint as a Distinguished Lecturer for SPE 2020-21 and an adjunct faculty at Baker College underscores his endeavor to foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge exchange in the industry. His academic laurels, including an MBA, MSc, and Ph.D., form the bedrock of his deep-seated understanding of the complex interplay between engineering principles, management strategies, and innovative thinking. Moreover, James’s admission into the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society in 2013, graduating summa cum laude and being named Valedictorian at the 2015 University of Phoenix Commencement Ceremony in Yuma, Arizona, highlights his exceptional academic and leadership skills.
A Legacy of Giving Back:
As the founder of the Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Education Society (PCEES), Arukhe has created a platform for nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators. His social and global responsibility initiatives, underscored by his extensive volunteer work with United Way and Rotary International, resonate with his belief in giving back to the community.
Beyond Individual Recognition:
James’s contributions have not gone unrecognized, with multiple Saudi Aramco Senior Vice President Awards to his name. These accolades, in addition to his academic and professional achievements, underline a career dedicated to innovation, leadership, and the advancement of the oil and gas industry.
In 2022 and 2023, he received the Saudi Aramco Senior Vice President Awards, standing out each time among 350 entries at the prestigious corporate events. As his story continues to unfold, each chapter adds a new dimension to his legacy of innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable future for the oil and gas industry.
James Arukhe’s story is more than a series of achievements; it is a narrative of unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the oil and gas industry. His legacy is not just in the patents he holds or the awards he has won, but in the knowledge, he has shared, the professionals he has inspired, and the sustainable future he is helping to build.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
Business
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Launch Strategic Plan for World-Class Sugar and Agro-Logistics Hub at Khalifa Port
BUA Group, AD Ports Group and MAIR Group Sign MoU to Explore Collaboration in Sugar Refining, Agro-Industrial Development, and Integrated Global Logistics Solutions
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Monday, 16th February 2026
BUA Group, AD Ports Group, and MAIR Group of Abu Dhabi today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions. The partnership aims to create a world-class platform that strengthens regional food security, supports industrial diversification, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for trade and manufacturing.
The proposed collaboration will leverage BUA Group’s industrial and logistics expertise, Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure, and AD Ports Group’s operational experience. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainable food production and resilient supply chains. It also aligns with Nigeria’s food production- and export-oriented agricultural transformation agenda, focused on scaling domestic capacity, strengthening value addition, improving post-harvest logistics, and unlocking new markets for Nigerian produce across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Photo Caption: L-R: Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Group; Cpt. Mohammed J. Al Shamisi, MD/Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO (Ports Cluster) AD Ports Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder/Executive Chairman, BUA Group; and Steve Green, Group CFO, MAIR Group
Through structured aggregation, processing, storage, and maritime export channels, the partnership is designed to reduce supply chain inefficiencies, enhance traceability and quality standards, and also create a predictable trade corridor between West Africa and the Gulf.
BUA Group—recognised as one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with major investments across sugar refining, food production, flour milling, cement manufacturing, and infrastructure- brings extensive industrial expertise and large-scale operational capability to the venture. MAIR Group will provide strategic support in developing integrated logistics and agro-industrial solutions, creating a seamless platform for production, storage, and distribution.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, said:
“This MoU marks an important milestone in BUA’s international expansion and reflects our long-term vision of building globally competitive industrial platforms. Together with AD Ports Group and MAIR Group, we aim to develop sustainable food production and logistics solutions that strengthen regional supply chains and support the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051.”
He further added that, “This partnership represents not just a commercial arrangement but a strategic food corridor anchored on shared economic ambition, resilient infrastructure, and disciplined execution, reinforcing long-term food security objectives for both nations.”
A representative of MAIR Group added:
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing strategic industries in Abu Dhabi and building integrated solutions that reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for trade, food security, and industrial excellence.”
A spokesperson from AD Ports Group commented:
“Our partnership with BUA Group and MAIR Group highlights Khalifa Port’s role as a catalyst for high-impact industrial investments. This initiative will enhance regional food security, strengthen global trade connectivity, and support Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.”
This MoU marks a historic collaboration that combines world-class infrastructure, industrial expertise, and strategic vision, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient food and logistics ecosystem that will benefit the UAE, the region, and global markets alike.
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