BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Gilbert Erelumhe Isimape Odior was born on July 21st, 1957, in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. He began his educational journey at Saint John's Primary School, Ogbona, from 1966 to 1970, followed by Saint John's College, Fugar, from 1970 to 1974, and Edo College, Benin City, from 1974 to 1976.

Gilbert furthered his education at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Geology in 1979 and an MSc in Petroleum Geology in 1981. After completing his NYSC program in Cross Rivers state, he embarked on a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry, spanning over four decades.

Gilbert retired from ExxonMobil in December 2015 as a seasoned geologist with over 40 years of experience. He has a strong background in asset management, oil and gas management consulting, government relations, mentoring, and building future generations. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director of Field Support Services (FSS), an oil and gas industry support services firm specializing in interface management and regulatory services, project-specific manpower supply, university assistant programs, and community development work.

Throughout his career, Gilbert has demonstrated innovative leadership and a commitment to excellence. He has held various leadership positions, including President of the Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) from 2004 to 2005 and President of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) from 2012 to 2014. He has also served as a Director on the National Data Repository Board and received the prestigious Vlastimila (Vlasta) Dvořáková International Ambassador Service Award for his leadership, dedication, and long-term commitment to AAPG and promoting its ideals within and across the African Continent.

He is active in several professional organizations and Social Clubs including Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Gas Association (NGA), Nigerian Mining and Geological Society (NMGS), American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), National Data Repository Board, Fellow of Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), and Certified Petroleum Geologist of AAPG and member of Ikoyi Club 1938.

He believes in people and goes beyond the usual call of duty to touch people's lives in remarkable ways, bringing out the best in them. He is energetic, a great team player, flexible, upwardly mobile, and focused on bottom-line results, making him a good manager of people and resources.

As a proud son of Ogbona, Gilbert has actively contributed to the development of the community in all spheres of human endeavors. He has been an active member of the Ogbona Federated Union and Ivhiochie Family Meeting, Lagos Branch, since 1981. He was a strong member of the Ogbona Advisory Committee set up by the Okphe Ukpi to map out ways to develop the community. He facilitated the construction of a state-of-the-art model school building at Ogbona Secondary School, Ogbona, by ExxonMobil.

Gilbert has authored and co-authored several technical papers and reports and coordinated the production of 24 lecture series on technical and soft skills deployed to 15 universities across the country. He developed the Exciting World of Geology for Geoscience career talk for Senior Secondary school, which has been delivered to over 400 schools across Africa through AAPG Africa Region Young Professionals.