Ovwigho Irifeta

Leading a small team of specialists tasked with delivering operations geology, including pore and fracture gradient predictions for normal and high-pressure exploration wells (both onshore and offshore), in support of rig capacity evaluation, well design, costing, planning, and execution.

• Manages end-to-end well delivery cycle for both normal and high-pressure exploration and development wells.
• Provides technical expertise in reviewing and ensuring accurate time-to-depth conversion and pore pressure assessments.
• Ensures accurate and timely monitoring of pore/fracture pressure in real-time for high-risk drilling operations.
• Enhances staff skills through coaching in PPFG modeling, operations geology, and drilling risk assessment, as well as well delivery.
• Conduct drilling uncertainty and risk analysis for conventional and high-pressure wells at multiple stages, including pre-drilling, geo-steering, interpretations, and correlations.
• Utilize directional survey and MWD data from the drilling rig to skillfully monitor rig activity and navigate horizontal wells remotely.
• Provide detailed reports based on analysis of remotely obtained mud log and drilling data.
• Plays a key role in making critical decisions for wellbore adjustments during 24-hour operations.
• Analyzes well assessment results remotely during both drilling and post-drilling phases, based on final correlations, maps, and grids, essential in updating structural and stratigraphic information.

Successfully managed a diverse team of 7 staff members in the delivery of ca. 2 trillion cubic feet of ultimate recoverable high-pressure gas prospects for domestic gas supply.

• Facilitated the prospect maturation of 8 gas exploration leads in Shallow Offshore licenses - OML74, OML77 and OML79 to ensure efficient delivery for gas export and Nigerian LNG Train-7 supply.
• Facilitated portfolio enhancement through robust technical workshops and regional geological studies.
• Contributed to strategic planning for exploration and appraisal programs, which resulted in the successful execution of full-field development projects.

Managed a team of four personnel and successfully delivered the hydrocarbon maturation which included 4 Tcf of contingent resources for high-pressure gas discoveries

• Developed subsurface geological models using seismic data and well logs to evaluate hydrocarbon potential in the area.
• Created seismic attribute maps for interpretation of faults and structural closures.
• Conducted post-investment review to evaluate the business impact of Shell's onshore, high-pressure exploration drilling campaign.

Delivered prospect maturation of deep gas opportunities to support the high-pressure gas campaign.

• Executed an integral role in Shell's onshore high-pressure wells drilling campaign by providing comprehensive support in various areas such as well planning/design activities, mudlogging contracting and supervision, stakeholder engagement, and well delivery processes. Achieved a successful outcome with the completion of 5 out of the total 8 exploration wells in OML-28 HPHT drilling campaign.
• Performed proximity to pay and geochemical studies of OML-28, enhancing hydrocarbon system analysis through the examination of drilling mud and ditch cuttings.
• Performed 3D seismic interpretation of adjacent exploration leads for identifying low UFC and cost-effective development prospects.
• Conducted prospectivity studies on high-pressure gas leads in order to enhance gas growth objectives.
• Provided geological support during onshore and swamp well drilling operations.
• Provided coaching to subsurface professional staff and peers on well-site geology.

Delivered real-time pore pressure prediction monitoring for high-pressure, narrow-margin exploration wells worldwide.

• Provided real-time fracture pressure monitoring support for Onyx South appraisal well in Norway.
• Provided real-time assistance for monitoring pore pressure during the drilling of Palta-1 wildcat exploration well in Australia.
• Supported Alakiri-37 high-pressure observation well by providing efficient real-time pore pressure monitoring.

• Achieved optimal preparedness for the execution of exploration and appraisal wells.
• Processed operational regulatory permits for EIA, NNRA, Effluents and Waste Discharge
• Delivered well charter to ensure safe and efficient execution.
• Provided comprehensive wellsite geology services for both onshore and deep-water wells.
• Facilitated drilling and sitting well on paper sessions (DWOP/SWOP).
• Aided in ensuring precise well placement and effective geo-steering for a pair of intricate onshore horizontal wells.
• Engaged contractors and conducted audits.
• Facilitated post-execution AARs and report writing.

• Contributed expertise in well surveying, geosteering, and measurements and logging while drilling to ensure the smooth execution of Addax's ambitious 45-well development and appraisal drilling campaign spanning from 2006-2008.
• Assisted in the efficient landing of development/production wells by providing high-quality well placement and geo-steering services.
• Efficiently supported drilling operations with critical real-time decision data and information.
• Monitored drilling parameters to optimize drilling efficiency and ensure safety standards
• Supervised Schlumberger's wellsite logistics operations to optimize service delivery and minimize non-productive time (NPT)

• Key member of the 2004 reconnaissance studies team that delivered a feasibility report on solid mineral deposits in Akwa Ibom State - Galena, Zinc, Uranium, Silica/Glass Sand, Lignite, Limestone, and Rock Salt.
• Field geology and mapping of solid mineral outcrops: Lead and Zinc Ores in Ukana, Essien Udim LGA.
• Preliminary ore deposit volumetric assessment and review of Galena deposits in Ukana, Essien Udim LGA.
• Performed data entry for geological information into GIS systems.
• Prepared detailed reports summarizing geologic findings.
• Participated in mapping projects to identify potential resources and hazards.
• Assisted senior staff with core logging activities.
• Interpreted aerial photographs for geological features.
• Compiled field notes and prepared maps illustrating geological features.
• Adhered to safety practices during assessments and digging to protect personnel and equipment.
• Established and managed data gathering, interpretation and submission techniques for field projects.